Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Kat Hostetler
Whitney Earns Spot on D1Softball Preseason Top Players List
January 14, 2026 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - After establishing herself as one of the nation's premier two-way performers, Ball State senior Ella Whitney enters the 2026 season ranked as the No. 9 Pitcher/Utility Player in D1Softball's Preseason Player Position Rankings.
Â
In her first season with the Cardinals, Whitney appeared in 50 of 51 games, playing a pivotal role in Ball State's 33–18 overall record and 16–9 Mid-American Conference finish. She made 27 starts in the circle, 16 as the designated player, and seven at first base, showcasing her versatility throughout the lineup.
Â
Whitney was dominant in the circle, finishing tied for 29th nationally with 20 wins, becoming just the seventh pitcher in program history to reach the milestone in a single season. She led all MAC pitchers with a .231 opponents' batting average and ranked second in the conference with a 2.84 ERA.
A two-time MAC Pitcher of the Week, Whitney also paced the league with a 1.23 WHIP, allowing only 156 hits and 56 walks across 172.2 innings. She recorded two complete-game shutouts, including a standout performance against MAC regular-season and tournament champion Miami on April 12, and helped combine for another shutout while striking out 83 batters on the year.
Â
At the plate, Whitney was equally impactful, ranking second in the MAC and 126th nationally with 50 RBI. She posted a .299 batting average, finished second on the team with 10 home runs, and added 11 doubles, ranking third on the squad. She also recorded Ball State's first triple of the season.
Â
Whitney ranked third among Ball State's regular starters in slugging percentage (.573) and fourth in on-base percentage (.389). Defensively, she was nearly flawless, posting a .991 fielding percentage with just one error in 110 chances, contributing to five double plays. She also limiting opponents to four stolen bases.
Â
Whitney and the rest of the Ball State softball team open the 2026 season Friday, Feb. 6, at 12:30 p.m. versus Charlotte in their first of five games at the FGCU Kickoff Classic.
Â
Â
In her first season with the Cardinals, Whitney appeared in 50 of 51 games, playing a pivotal role in Ball State's 33–18 overall record and 16–9 Mid-American Conference finish. She made 27 starts in the circle, 16 as the designated player, and seven at first base, showcasing her versatility throughout the lineup.
Â
Whitney was dominant in the circle, finishing tied for 29th nationally with 20 wins, becoming just the seventh pitcher in program history to reach the milestone in a single season. She led all MAC pitchers with a .231 opponents' batting average and ranked second in the conference with a 2.84 ERA.
A two-time MAC Pitcher of the Week, Whitney also paced the league with a 1.23 WHIP, allowing only 156 hits and 56 walks across 172.2 innings. She recorded two complete-game shutouts, including a standout performance against MAC regular-season and tournament champion Miami on April 12, and helped combine for another shutout while striking out 83 batters on the year.
Â
At the plate, Whitney was equally impactful, ranking second in the MAC and 126th nationally with 50 RBI. She posted a .299 batting average, finished second on the team with 10 home runs, and added 11 doubles, ranking third on the squad. She also recorded Ball State's first triple of the season.
Â
Whitney ranked third among Ball State's regular starters in slugging percentage (.573) and fourth in on-base percentage (.389). Defensively, she was nearly flawless, posting a .991 fielding percentage with just one error in 110 chances, contributing to five double plays. She also limiting opponents to four stolen bases.
Â
Whitney and the rest of the Ball State softball team open the 2026 season Friday, Feb. 6, at 12:30 p.m. versus Charlotte in their first of five games at the FGCU Kickoff Classic.
Â
Players Mentioned
INF / RHP
/ SoftballSoftball // Maia Pietrzak Ball State
Saturday, November 29
Heart of the Cardinal Podcast // November Show - Bree Salenbien & Maia Pietrzak
Tuesday, November 25
Homecoming // Cardinal Sinners! Presented by Gameday Spirit
Friday, October 17
Softball // Workouts
Wednesday, September 17