MUNCIE, Ind. — On Sept. 18, the Cardinals allowed professors to show off their skills while supporting student-athletes. During halftime of the Ball State vs Central Michigan soccer game, professors took penalty kicks with Charlie Cardinal in goal. Even on a hot late-summer day, professors turned out to support Ball State athletics.
Since 2024, the soccer team has begun doing this event as a way to bridge the gap between academics and athletics within the university. Coach Andy Stoots explained the girls' connection to academics and how it is important to them to represent the integrity of their community.
“Our team GPA is almost a 3.9,” said Stoots. “You know that’s special. When I get questions about Ball State and the Ball State community, I think I go back to my experience when I was going through the process of interviewing for the job here. I think it’s a place with great people, with great community. Not just within athletics, but with the University as a whole.”
Stoots also discussed the amount of Ball State’s staff showing their support to their athletics in many ways, and how he has felt welcomed during his short time at Ball State.
“You know, from professors to support staff, to everyone right,” Stoots said. “I think there’s a lot of people here who have a genuine care and concern for the students, and that’s their life's work. They do an excellent job at that.”
Stoots also touched on why he believes his players stayed at Ball State even with the new coaching position that opened up last spring. The players built a relationship with the Ball State community that they just couldn’t ignore. They express their excitement as the professors kick the ball during halftime, appreciating the fact that they showed up for them.
“Professors see them in the classroom, we see them on the field. I think anytime you can see what your student athletes are doing and the other arena they’re involved in, that’s a special thing. It makes it more of a holistic experience for our students, but also staff as well.”
Coach Stoots and his players say they are grateful for everyone who came out to support the event and to have some fun on the soccer field.
Contact Gracie Drake with comments at gracie.drake@bsu.edu.
