From Player to Police Officer
April 09, 2020 | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. - Former Ball State women's basketball player Ty'Ronda Benning has taken her skills off the court, as she currently spends her days serving as a Muncie police officer. Benning played for the Cardinals from 2009-11. She was also a standout basketball player at Muncie Southside High School.
Benning took part in a question-and-answer session via e-mail to reflect on her time at Ball State, her job serving her hometown and the way COVID-19 has impacted the work of the police force …
How has the COVID-19 outbreak affected your job?
"COVID has affected our work with limiting human contact by the priority level of the call. We're only having human contact on calls that are high in priority, and we are still maintaining the 6-foot rule."
What can the community do to help you and your fellow first responders at this time?
"The community can help by just simply staying at home and following state regulations."
What skills did you learn as a Ball State basketball player that you still apply to your job as a Muncie police officer and in everyday life?
"Two of the biggest skills I learned playing basketball are engagement and communication. I use those two heavily in the police world."
You are from Muncie. What does it mean to you to be a part of this community?
"It means a lot being from the Muncie community, playing basketball and now serving the community. I'm familiar with the people as well the neighborhoods. I feel it's great for the young community to see someone from home being a positive role model."
What was your favorite moment as a player at Ball State?
"My favorite moment as a player was just how my teammates became more like family."
Do you have an encouraging message to athletes or the Muncie community during this time?
"Continue to work hard, even when it doesn't 'matter' at this particular moment. Even when no one is watching or expecting you to better yourself, you do it anyway." Â
Ball State Athletics thanks Benning and all of the first responders for keeping our community safe during this trying time.