Steward follows coach from Western Kentucky to Ball State

Ball State sophomore India Steward committed to Western Kentucky to play for coach Tyra Perry.

After Perry left the Hilltoppers for the head coaching job at Ball State, Steward decided to leave Western Kentucky and follow her coach to Muncie.

"When I got here and started with the team, coach Perry pushed me really hard and still does, which has really improved me," Steward said. "It's something I knew she could do and I needed."

Steward didn't play softball in high school like most college players. She decided to play basketball and run track instead. She was also a member of the cheer squad at Rich South High School.

She enjoyed softball, but wasn't sure if she wanted to play in college. Steward joined a travel team to test her love of the game.

"I was able to run track and play travel ball at the same time, which let me make a lot of different friends," Steward said. "Sometimes I would feel behind in softball because the girls on the high school team saw more consistent play, but I would only be behind for a little while before I caught up."

Steward said she enjoyed playing for her Southern Force travel team because it allowed her to do more in her time in high school.

But as her junior year was coming to an end, she had a decision to make. After watching Steward play in a tournament, Perry was interested in Steward's game.

"We started talking after she saw me play and I felt like we connected pretty quick," Steward said. "I knew then I wanted her as my coach."

Perry said she scouts travel softball games and tournaments more than high school. It makes it easier to see a variety of different styles and pick from the best players across the country.

"A lot of girls play travel ball because they are willing to give that extra effort and most likely want to play in college," Perry said. "It makes it easier for me as a coach to then find those players that have that drive and scout them."

Steward played her freshman season at Western Kentucky despite Perry leaving for Ball State. She said her love for the game led to her decision to stay for her first year.

Her experience in travel ball allowed her to adjust easily to the college schedule.

"I was so used to playing travel, going to school, running track,and cheerleading all at the same time in high school," Steward said. "Attending my college classes and traveling with the softball team didn't seem as bad as some people would think it would be."

But after her freshman season, Steward had a change of heart. She transferred to Ball State to play for the coach that she committed to in the first place.

She was granted with immediate eligibility, so she didn't have to sit out a year like most transfers.

Steward has improved from her time at Western Kentucky, improving her batting average from .160 to .212. She's also a threat on the basepaths with 29 runs and eight stolen bases this season.

She's looking to help the Cardinals end the season strong in any way she can.

"There is no question this is the place I need and want to be," Steward said.

Read More

AP: Biden's upcoming graduation speech roils Morehouse College, a center of Black politics and culture

By The Associated Press / Yesterday

When he gives the commencement address at Morehouse College, President Joe Biden will have his most direct engagement with college students since the start of the Israel-Hamas war at a center of Black politics and culture.

---

Indiana Capital Chronicle: Rokita warns Indiana college officials to guard against campus antisemitism

By Indiana Capital Chronicle / 2 days ago

Attorney General Todd Rokita on Wednesday issued a warning to postsecondary officials: “Hateful antisemitic acts against Jewish students will not be tolerated.”

---

Authors of book “Cold Case Muncie" host event at Muncie Public Library

By Ellie Marker / 3 days ago

True crime journalists and authors Douglas Walker and Keith Roysdon co-wrote a book titled, “Cold Case Muncie.” At the Carnegie Library May 14, the authors shared comments about their findings as well as a Q&A session with the audience.