The phone rings and the caller ID reads "Eddy," as in Steady Eddy Waters. Longtime Muncie Burris High School volleyball coach Steve Shondell smiles and answers the phone quickly. It's former protégé and Ball State University's defensive specialist, Christie Waters, who Shondell tutored during an impressive and remarkable run of 12 consecutive volleyball Indiana state championships and 17 of the last 20.
"We gave her the nickname 'Steady Eddy' because Christie was so consistent and one of, if not the most, fundamentally sound players I've coached, and that was when she was in the sixth grade," Shondell said. "I'm not sure Christie was ever too fond of that nickname, but she earned it for good reasons and it still comes up as Eddy on my caller ID when she calls."
Waters, always taller than average when she was younger, started her volleyball career as a middle blocker before transitioning to the outside hitter position as other girls caught up to her height in middle and high school. Flash forward a number of years and Waters now suits up in her hometown Cardinals' uniform but plays in the back row instead of at the net.
"I chose to stay in Muncie at Ball State for many reasons. I wanted to help rebuild the program and take it back to where it was. I thought that would be a fun challenge," Waters said. "I looked at other schools, but Ball State had the best program for me. I'm a telecommunications major and Ball State had the best program and also fit me the best."
Known for her defensive prowess on the court, Waters is known just as well off the court for many attributes, one of which being a fashion savvy woman.
"We have a lot in common, particularly clothes," junior outside hitter Hannah Sullivan said. "She's always good for giving advice and picking outfits to wear. We definitely swap outfits, although some things, pants, are more difficult to share since I'm taller."
Giving advice and picking outfits out for friends and teammates aren't the only things Waters enjoys about fashion.
"I like everything about fashion and being around it," Waters said. "I'd like to style and design outfits, but we have fun picking out what to wear from five or so outfits."
Some athletes may be limited in hobbies outside of their chosen sport, but that's not the case for Waters. Beyond being a fashion guru of sorts, Waters can be a comedian.
"We're just really random and goofy; it's sort of ridiculous. We're good kids though," Sullivan said with a smile and laugh."
For Shondell, there have been numerous benefits in his relationship with Waters, which started even before the days of 'Eddy.' Shondell first met Waters as a physical education teacher first and then as her volleyball coach throughout high school. Out of that relationship, Shondell has seen Waters grow and evolve as a person and player.
"Christie has always been a pleasant and playful person. She's always enjoyable to be around and very likable. We've always gotten along really well through the years. I'm glad Dave [Boos] gave her an opportunity and it's worked out. It's an opportunity of a lifetime to be a collegiate athlete, let alone in your hometown," Shondell said of Ball State women's volleyball coach Dave Boos.
In her free time Waters enjoys traveling, family, watching the E! channel and hanging out with friends and teammates.
"I'm down for just about anything. I can rent a movie and hang out on the couch or go to the mall. Anything relaxing," Waters said. "I also love playing with my nieces and nephews. I visit them as often as I can."
At any time Waters can be a fashion guru, a stabilizing force on and off the court, a random and goofy comedian, a hometown girl or an aunt. Perhaps what Waters is best known for, however, is being a Ball State volleyball player.
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