As Ian Peckler stepped onto the Ball State University men's volleyball team's bus parked outside of St. John Arena in May, he knew his college career was finished.
For 90 minutes, the senior All-American libero and school record holder watched the one thing he wanted the most - a championship - fall out of his grasp. In his only chance to play in a conference championship match during his four-year career, Ohio State University swept Ball State to win the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association title.
Less than one year since that sweep, Peckler will get another chance to win a championship.
This time though, he will have to accomplish the feat halfway around the world.
Peckler was selected earlier this week to play on the U.S. team in the 18th Maccabiah Games during the summer in Israel.
Describing the games as the Jewish Olympics, the former Ball State player said he is excited to participate in the event.
"It's a great honor for me as an individual and a chance to represent my heritage and country," Peckler said. "I'm looking forward to it."
Graduating last May, Peckler is Ball State's all-time career leader in digs with 1,054 - seven more than second place former outside attacker Chris Beerman - and the career leader in digs per game average with 2.69. The three-time All-MIVA player also holds the program record for digs in a match and most matches with at least 10 digs.
Currently an assistant volleyball coach at Lake Forest College, Peckler said one of the U.S. coaches approached him about playing in the team a few months ago. Peckler also said he is looking forward to the cultural experience of leaving the United States for the first time in his life, especially going to a place where he has strong heritage ties.
"It's a life-changing experience," Peckler said. "I'm not that much of a religious Jew, but everyone has told me it's a revitalization, going to our homeland. It brings you back to who you are."
Peckler will be the second Ball State player from last year's graduating class to play in the Middle East. Former All-American outside attacker Patrick Durbin played for a professional volleyball team in Dubai this season.
Ball State coach Joel Walton said he was not surprised Peckler was selected to play for the United States because of his ability to pass and dig balls. The coach also said his players competing in these types of professional and international competitions always makes the Ball State program look stronger.
"Any time you go on after your college playing career and compete in high quality competitions, it always speaks well of the quality of the program and experiences they got from the program," Walton said.
Peckler is one of three members on the U.S. team who played for a Division I team in college. At the last Maccabiah Games in 2005, the United States defeated Brazil to win the bronze medal.
Prior to the games in July, Peckler said the men's volleyball team will meet for about two weeks on the East Coast to practice together. He also said he is not too concerned about how the team finishes because for him playing in this tournament is more than a game.
"It's an experience," he said. "And it's an opportunity to keep playing."
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