Ball State University Volleyball: A Legacy of Excellence
Ball State University boasts one of the most storied histories in NCAA men's volleyball. From its humble beginnings as a club team to its current status as a national contender, the program has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation. This article explores the rich history of Ball State University volleyball, highlighting key figures, achievements, and its lasting impact on the sport.
The Founding of a Program: The Don Shondell Era
The genesis of Ball State volleyball can be traced back to Dr. Don Shondell, an iconic figure who not only founded the men’s program but also left an indelible mark on the sport itself. A Ball State graduate in 1952 and 1956, Dr. Shondell's career was multifaceted, encompassing roles as a coach, professor, and author. He established the first men’s club volleyball team at Ball State in 1960, dedicating the subsequent four years to advocating for its elevation to varsity status.
In 1964, his efforts bore fruit as men's volleyball officially became a varsity sport at Ball State. Over his remarkable 34 seasons at the helm, Dr. Shondell achieved a career record of 769-280-6 (.732), solidifying his place as the second-winningest head coach in NCAA men's volleyball history. His influence extended beyond the court, as he co-founded the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) and served as its first president. From 1964 through 1998, Dr. Shondell was recognized as Coach of the Year eight times by the MIVA.
Dr. Shondell's contributions to volleyball earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983. He also served as the president of the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) from 1979-80. The USVBA honored Shondell with the William G. Morgan Award in 1989 and the Dr. Harold T. Friermood Award in 1992. In 1996, Dr. Shondell was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Dr. Shondell's impact extended far beyond wins and awards. He mentored and inspired countless players, coaches, and fans, fostering a deep love for the game. Ball State, initially competing against local YMCA teams, became a catalyst for volleyball's growth in the Midwest.
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MIVA Dominance and National Recognition
Ball State is a charter member of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA), a conference it has been a part of since the varsity program's inception in 1964. The team has won 22 regular season MIVA titles and 15 tournament titles, showcasing its consistent dominance in the region. From 1964-1979, considered the Golden Era, the Cardinals secured 12 MIVA regular season titles and five MIVA tournament titles. They remained a force in the Midwest throughout the 80s and 90s.
Shondell fought to keep volleyball at Ball State and helped the program rise to national prominence. Ball State's first nationally televised event was the 1972 championship broadcast inside Irving Gymnasium. Ball State also hosted the national championship in 1976, 1980 and 1992. Since its inception, the school has become synonymous with volleyball.
Over the years, volleyball in the Midwest developed its own style and regularly began to compete with the powerhouses on the West Coast. In 2000, Ohio State became the first Midwest school to compete in the national championship, which was played at IPFW. Since then, Lewis, Ohio State and Loyola won national titles. Lewis and IPFW also competed in national championships.
"Cradle of Coaches" and Munciana Volleyball Club
Ball State has earned the moniker "Cradle of Coaches," a testament to its influence on the sport. The last two Division I women's national championship teams were coached my Muncie natives Craig Skinner (Kentucky) and Kelly Sheffield (Wisconsin). Across the country, there are countless Ball State alumni who coach high-level men's and women's volleyball.
Muncie has continued to be one of the premiere volleyball recruiting areas in the country thanks, in part, to Don Shondell's son, Steve Shondell, who created Munciana Volleyball Club in 1974. The club remains one of the most successful in the country.
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A New Era: The Donan Cruz Era
In June 2021, Donan Cruz was named the fourth head coach in program history. In Cruz's first year as head coach, he led the Cardinals to their first MIVA regular season championship, conference tournament championship, and NCAA Tournament berth since 2002. In his second season, the Cardinals were again the regular season champions but fell to Ohio State in the MIVA tournament championship match.
In Muncie, Ball State went 14-1 this season, which included a pair of wins against then No. 1-ranked Hawai'i. There's always been a passionate fanbase, which includes alumni located across the world, who've wanted to see Ball State get back to its glory days.
In 2023, the Cardinals (23-3) were selected as the No. 2 seed after winning the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association regular season and tournament titles, haven't made the national tournament since 2002. If Ball State beats Hawai'i in the national semifinal Thursday inside UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, it will be one win away from securing the first national championship trophy in program and Ball State history.
Facilities and Resources
The Cardinals play their home matches at Worthen Arena on campus. They began playing at the arena in 1992, after having spent more than 28 seasons at Irving Gymnasium. On July 20, 2018, Ball State officially opened the Dr. Don Shondell Practice Facility, a testament to his lasting legacy.
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