Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Doug McSchooler
Season's Greetings from Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell
December 18, 2025 | Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Men's Swimming and Diving, Men's Tennis, Men's Volleyball, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Volleyball, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Soccer, Track & Field, Code Red Dancers, Cheerleaders, Cardinal Varsity Club, Mental Health, ,
Happy holidays from Ball State Athletics!
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As we move into the heart of December, our basketball programs are completing final preparations for Saturday's exciting doubleheader at Worthen Arena. What a great way to celebrate the holiday season together as Cardinal fans when our women's team tips off at 11 a.m. and our men follow at 2 p.m., as both programs open Mid-American Conference play. Let's pack Worthen and wear red as we close the calendar year together.
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Looking back on the fall, our programs continued to build momentum and demonstrate meaningful growth. On the football field, first-year head coach Mike Uremovich guided our team to an improved win total while establishing a culture of toughness and accountability that will benefit our program moving forward. Our soccer team, under first-year head coach Andy Stoots, enjoyed its first 10-win season since 2019 and advanced to the semifinals of the MAC Tournament.
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Our most notable success came from women's volleyball. Despite three projected starters lost with preseason injuries, the Cardinals battled through a demanding schedule to turn in a remarkable season. Ball State finished at 21–10 overall and 17–1 in MAC play as Kelli Miller-Phillips earned MAC Coach of the Year honors and led the program to her third regular season championship. The team finished the regular season with a national ratings percentage index of 58, ranking among the top 17 percent of all teams in Division I, and easily the best in the MAC by nearly 40 spots. A near-sweep of conference postseason awards reflected not just success on the court but well-earned respect both conference-wide and nationally.
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We also saw strong fall performances from our golf and tennis programs, which we look forward to highlighting again when spring competition resumes.
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The winter season is now underway. As both basketball teams enter MAC play, gymnastics, indoor track and field, and swimming have begun their campaigns while men's volleyball, led by new head coach Mike Iandolo, opens its season at Worthen Arena on January 3.
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As you think about holiday giving, I encourage you to keep Ball State Athletics in mind. Whether it is the gift of game tickets or Ball State merchandise, there are many ways to share your Cardinal pride. Fans may also support our programs through gifts to the Ball State Foundation. Contributions to the Cardinal Excellence Fund are especially impactful, supporting strategic initiatives such as the Eric Foss Championship Performance Center, set to open in May 2026, and upcoming clubhouse projects at Shebek Stadium and the Ball State Softball Stadium. Looking ahead to One Ball State Day in April, supporters will once again have the opportunity to directly impact each of our 19 sports. We are sincerely grateful for your generosity.
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The most meaningful way to support our student-athletes is by showing up – purchasing tickets, attending events, cheering loudly, and proudly wearing Cardinal red. As you visit Worthen Arena this winter season, I encourage you to wear your favorite Ball State gear and help create the vibrant home atmosphere our programs deserve. You make a difference!
As we put a bow on 2025, I am deeply grateful for the loyalty and passion of our alumni, friends, and fans. Your support has fueled one of the most successful periods in our department's history. For the first time ever, Ball State Athletics was honored with the 2024–25 Cartwright Award as the MAC's top overall athletics department. That prestigious distinction illustrates a recent trajectory that has seen our programs win at least two regular season or conference tournament championships in each of five consecutive calendar years – a feat that has not been done in Muncie since 1999-03. This year's women's volleyball title was the Cardinals' 16th over a five-year span since 2021. In fact, Ball State has collected hardware for 10 championships since the spring of 2023 alone.
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Of course, our success extends far beyond competition. Our student-athletes continue to post record-high grade point averages and graduation rates and our department has logged more than 4,200 service hours to benefit our community across Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. We are also in the midst of more than $25 million in facility enhancements designed to recruit, develop, and retain outstanding student-athletes while delivering a first-class Ball State experience.
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As we look ahead to 2026, we recognize that college athletics and higher education are evolving rapidly. While challenges remain, we are confident in our direction. Ball State University and Ball State Athletics are operating from a position of strength. We are being strategic and creative as we position Cardinal student-athletes for sustained success. We must continue to promote academic excellence and it is imperative that we increase revenue production while focusing on championship performance. With your continued help, we will compete at a high level and represent our university with pride. I am excited to share new initiatives and opportunities with you in the year ahead. We will need your support and investment to keep our momentum going.
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On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.
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Go Cardinals!Â
JEFF MITCHELL
Director of Athletics
Ball State University
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As we move into the heart of December, our basketball programs are completing final preparations for Saturday's exciting doubleheader at Worthen Arena. What a great way to celebrate the holiday season together as Cardinal fans when our women's team tips off at 11 a.m. and our men follow at 2 p.m., as both programs open Mid-American Conference play. Let's pack Worthen and wear red as we close the calendar year together.
Â
Looking back on the fall, our programs continued to build momentum and demonstrate meaningful growth. On the football field, first-year head coach Mike Uremovich guided our team to an improved win total while establishing a culture of toughness and accountability that will benefit our program moving forward. Our soccer team, under first-year head coach Andy Stoots, enjoyed its first 10-win season since 2019 and advanced to the semifinals of the MAC Tournament.
Â
Our most notable success came from women's volleyball. Despite three projected starters lost with preseason injuries, the Cardinals battled through a demanding schedule to turn in a remarkable season. Ball State finished at 21–10 overall and 17–1 in MAC play as Kelli Miller-Phillips earned MAC Coach of the Year honors and led the program to her third regular season championship. The team finished the regular season with a national ratings percentage index of 58, ranking among the top 17 percent of all teams in Division I, and easily the best in the MAC by nearly 40 spots. A near-sweep of conference postseason awards reflected not just success on the court but well-earned respect both conference-wide and nationally.
Â
We also saw strong fall performances from our golf and tennis programs, which we look forward to highlighting again when spring competition resumes.
Â
The winter season is now underway. As both basketball teams enter MAC play, gymnastics, indoor track and field, and swimming have begun their campaigns while men's volleyball, led by new head coach Mike Iandolo, opens its season at Worthen Arena on January 3.
Â
As you think about holiday giving, I encourage you to keep Ball State Athletics in mind. Whether it is the gift of game tickets or Ball State merchandise, there are many ways to share your Cardinal pride. Fans may also support our programs through gifts to the Ball State Foundation. Contributions to the Cardinal Excellence Fund are especially impactful, supporting strategic initiatives such as the Eric Foss Championship Performance Center, set to open in May 2026, and upcoming clubhouse projects at Shebek Stadium and the Ball State Softball Stadium. Looking ahead to One Ball State Day in April, supporters will once again have the opportunity to directly impact each of our 19 sports. We are sincerely grateful for your generosity.
Â
The most meaningful way to support our student-athletes is by showing up – purchasing tickets, attending events, cheering loudly, and proudly wearing Cardinal red. As you visit Worthen Arena this winter season, I encourage you to wear your favorite Ball State gear and help create the vibrant home atmosphere our programs deserve. You make a difference!
As we put a bow on 2025, I am deeply grateful for the loyalty and passion of our alumni, friends, and fans. Your support has fueled one of the most successful periods in our department's history. For the first time ever, Ball State Athletics was honored with the 2024–25 Cartwright Award as the MAC's top overall athletics department. That prestigious distinction illustrates a recent trajectory that has seen our programs win at least two regular season or conference tournament championships in each of five consecutive calendar years – a feat that has not been done in Muncie since 1999-03. This year's women's volleyball title was the Cardinals' 16th over a five-year span since 2021. In fact, Ball State has collected hardware for 10 championships since the spring of 2023 alone.
Â
Of course, our success extends far beyond competition. Our student-athletes continue to post record-high grade point averages and graduation rates and our department has logged more than 4,200 service hours to benefit our community across Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana. We are also in the midst of more than $25 million in facility enhancements designed to recruit, develop, and retain outstanding student-athletes while delivering a first-class Ball State experience.
Â
As we look ahead to 2026, we recognize that college athletics and higher education are evolving rapidly. While challenges remain, we are confident in our direction. Ball State University and Ball State Athletics are operating from a position of strength. We are being strategic and creative as we position Cardinal student-athletes for sustained success. We must continue to promote academic excellence and it is imperative that we increase revenue production while focusing on championship performance. With your continued help, we will compete at a high level and represent our university with pride. I am excited to share new initiatives and opportunities with you in the year ahead. We will need your support and investment to keep our momentum going.
Â
On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.
Â
Go Cardinals!Â
JEFF MITCHELL
Director of Athletics
Ball State University
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This Week in Ball State Sports Podcast // Guests: Mike Iandolo and Jeff Mitchell
Thursday, December 18
Heart of the Cardinal Podcast // Guests: Mike Fleck and Alauna Simms
Monday, December 15
Men's Basketball // Post Game Press Conference at Campbell
Sunday, December 14
'Twas The Week Before #MACtion
Saturday, December 13