Ball State University Athletics
Welcomes Back: Jones and Wynn Join Softball Coaching Staff
August 27, 2024 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - Deborah Jones and Haley Wynn, a pair of standouts on the field for Ball State softball, are returning to the program as part of the team's coaching staff according to second-year head coach Helen Peña.
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Jones, who played her first three seasons at Ball State (2020-22) and final two at Arizona State (2023-24), will return as an assistant coach for the Cardinals. Wynn, who completed her five-year career at Ball State (2020-24) this past May, will also stay onboard as a graduate assistant.
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Over her five-year playing career, Jones was credited with 32 victories and 336 strikeouts over 437.0 innings of work. She boasted a 3.48 career ERA, including a 2.74 effort in her three seasons at Ball State. All seven of her career complete game shutouts came during her time on the Ball State roster, as did 25 of her 32 wins.
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"I could not be more thrilled to welcome Deborah back to Muncie," Peña said. "A top performer at Ball State and Arizona State, she'll be able to challenge our hitters daily which will make us better from the start. In addition, she will assist me in the bullpen by gathering data, assisting with film and carrying out bullpen plans. She has a genuine desire to help others grow and to see our team be successful on and off the field. I love her enthusiasm and her energy, and I know we will benefit greatly from having her on staff."
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Jones was also a two-time All-Mid-American Conference Second Team selection in her Ball State career, earning the honor in both 2021 and 2022. In her final season in the Cardinal and White, she boasted a 2.21 ERA over 15 MAC appearances and held opposing league batters to a .220 average. In her first run to all-conference honors, she produced 10 wins and a 2.85 ERA in league play, helping the Cardinals produce a program record 31 MAC wins.
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Wynn finished her five-year playing career at Ball State ranked second in program history with 169 runs scored, while her 26 home runs tied for eighth and her 116 RBI ranked 14th. A 2024 NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Third Team honoree, she also ranked fourth on BSU's all-time list with 243 career hits and compiled a .327 career average.
 "I'm excited to have Haley back with our program as our graduate assistant for this upcoming season," Peña said. "It's always a pleasure working with young coaches who are just getting into the profession. As a recent alum of Ball State who knows our coaching styles, standards and expectations, she will make a smooth transition and be a huge help on our side of things. Her work ethic, attention to detail and passion for the game will add tremendous value to our staff and program."
A two-time All-MAC selection, earning first team in 2023 and second team in 2024, Wynn was also a 2023 NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Second Team honoree. In addition, she finished her playing career as a four-time Academic All-MAC selection and a two-time member of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Softball Team
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Jones, who played her first three seasons at Ball State (2020-22) and final two at Arizona State (2023-24), will return as an assistant coach for the Cardinals. Wynn, who completed her five-year career at Ball State (2020-24) this past May, will also stay onboard as a graduate assistant.
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Over her five-year playing career, Jones was credited with 32 victories and 336 strikeouts over 437.0 innings of work. She boasted a 3.48 career ERA, including a 2.74 effort in her three seasons at Ball State. All seven of her career complete game shutouts came during her time on the Ball State roster, as did 25 of her 32 wins.
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"I could not be more thrilled to welcome Deborah back to Muncie," Peña said. "A top performer at Ball State and Arizona State, she'll be able to challenge our hitters daily which will make us better from the start. In addition, she will assist me in the bullpen by gathering data, assisting with film and carrying out bullpen plans. She has a genuine desire to help others grow and to see our team be successful on and off the field. I love her enthusiasm and her energy, and I know we will benefit greatly from having her on staff."
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Jones was also a two-time All-Mid-American Conference Second Team selection in her Ball State career, earning the honor in both 2021 and 2022. In her final season in the Cardinal and White, she boasted a 2.21 ERA over 15 MAC appearances and held opposing league batters to a .220 average. In her first run to all-conference honors, she produced 10 wins and a 2.85 ERA in league play, helping the Cardinals produce a program record 31 MAC wins.
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Wynn finished her five-year playing career at Ball State ranked second in program history with 169 runs scored, while her 26 home runs tied for eighth and her 116 RBI ranked 14th. A 2024 NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Third Team honoree, she also ranked fourth on BSU's all-time list with 243 career hits and compiled a .327 career average.
 "I'm excited to have Haley back with our program as our graduate assistant for this upcoming season," Peña said. "It's always a pleasure working with young coaches who are just getting into the profession. As a recent alum of Ball State who knows our coaching styles, standards and expectations, she will make a smooth transition and be a huge help on our side of things. Her work ethic, attention to detail and passion for the game will add tremendous value to our staff and program."
A two-time All-MAC selection, earning first team in 2023 and second team in 2024, Wynn was also a 2023 NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Second Team honoree. In addition, she finished her playing career as a four-time Academic All-MAC selection and a two-time member of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Softball Team
Players Mentioned
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