By Ball State Athletics—
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today the presentation of the Dr. Carol A. Cartwright Award to Ball State University for its program excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship during the 2024-25 school year. This marks the first time in program history that the Cardinals have earned this prestigious honor.
“The Cartwright Award recognizes the overall excellence of a member institution’s athletics department,” said Mid-American Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher. “It provides us with an opportunity to celebrate exceptional achievements in academics, athletic performance, and community engagement. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ball State University — its student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and the entire institution — for earning this distinguished award for the first time.”
The Cartwright Award is an institutional honor presented annually to one university in the MAC. A committee with representation from all 13 institutions selects the recipient from nominations submitted based on the criteria of excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship.
“I am proud of our student-athletes for earning this prestigious recognition,” Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns said. “It is a testament to their talent, discipline, and character. I am also grateful to our coaches and staff for their unwavering commitment to supporting and inspiring our student-athletes.”
The award is named in honor of Dr. Carol A. Cartwright, one of the most respected voices in higher education. Dr. Cartwright served as President of Kent State University from 1991–2006 and President of Bowling Green State University from 2008–2011. She previously held leadership roles at the University of California, Davis, and Penn State University, and has served on the NCAA Board of Directors and the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.
“To be recognized by our peers as the top athletics department in the Mid-American Conference is an incredible honor,” said Ball State Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell. “I am ecstatic for our athletics department to be recognized for excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship. I credit our student-athletes and the devoted coaches, staff, and community members who serve and mentor them. This award highlights the growth and success of our department, and I encourage the Cardinal faithful to continue supporting us as we advance.”
Ball State University Athletics reached historic academic milestones during the 2024-25 academic year. For the first time in recent history, all 19 varsity programs recorded a team GPA above 3.0 in both semesters, with the department achieving its highest spring semester GPA in the past decade (3.487) and its highest full-year GPA in 10 years (3.46). The department also maintained an overall Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 992, with five programs — Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Women’s Soccer, and Women’s Volleyball — earning perfect scores of 1,000. More than 80% of student-athletes achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher in both semesters, while 101 student-athletes posted perfect 4.0 GPAs in the spring. Ball State also boasts a 93% graduation rate among its student-athletes, underscoring a strong culture of achievement in the classroom.
On the field, Ball State programs delivered standout performances across multiple sports. Women’s basketball captured both the MAC regular season and tournament titles, returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. The Cardinals earned several major conference honors, with Coach Brady Sallee named MAC Coach of the Year, Ally Becki honored as MAC Player of the Year and Tournament MVP, and Marie Kiefer recognized as MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Nationally, track and field’s Jenelle Rogers collected her fourth All-America honor, while Kenli Nettles advanced to the NCAA Championships. Gymnastics had two individual NCAA qualifiers, women’s golfer Jasmine Driscoll won a MAC title and competed in the NCAA regional, and men’s golfer Ali Khan qualified for the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship. Softball improved to a semifinal berth in the MAC Tournament, while baseball and men’s golf both finished third in the league. These accomplishments highlighted Ball State’s competitive rise and consistency across programs.
Beyond academics and athletics, Ball State student-athletes made a significant impact in their community, contributing more than 4,200 hours of service throughout Muncie, Delaware County, and beyond. Their efforts included food drives that provided over 1,000 pounds of donations, volunteering with local senior living centers and adaptive sports programs, hosting youth events like movie nights and “Chirp or Treat,” and leading environmental initiatives such as a river clean-up. Over 100 student-athletes and coaches also took part in the “Walk a Mile” event to support homelessness awareness. Additionally, student-athletes led initiatives focused on leadership, NIL education, diversity, and inclusion, including participation in the MAC’s “One MAC Week” and producing the “My Black Is” video series with SportsLink. These efforts underscore Ball State’s holistic commitment to shaping student-athletes who excel in competition, in the classroom, and as engaged citizens.
Cartwright Award Winners
2024-25 Ball State University
2023-24 University of Toledo
2022-23 University of Toledo
2021-22 University of Toledo
2020-21 Miami University
2019-20 N/A (COVID-19)
2018-19 Miami University
2017-18 Miami University
2016-17 Eastern Michigan University
2015-16 Kent State University
2014-15 Central Michigan University
2013-14 Eastern Michigan University
2012-13 Kent State University
2011-12 University of Toledo
2010-11 Western Michigan University
2009-10 Kent State University
2008-09 Central Michigan University
Photo courtesy of ballstatesports.com
