Each year, the Ball State University Foundation recognizes students who exemplify leadership, service, and academic excellence through the Top 100 Student Awards. These outstanding undergraduates embody Beneficence both inside and outside the classroom at Ball State University.

In this series, we’re highlighting Teachers College and secondary education students selected for this honor, future educators who are already making an impact in schools, on campus, and throughout their communities.

Next in the series is Alex McPhee, a May 2026 graduate who majored in Teaching Physical Education and Health, whose passion for teaching is centered on helping students build healthy, active lives.

An older man and a young woman stand on stage shaking hands and smiling at the camera. The young woman is holding a plaque that reads “Top 100” and includes her name, Alex McPhee; the remaining text is too small to read. The man is wearing a gray plaid suit jacket with gray slacks and a white button-up dress shirt. The young woman is wearing a black dress with a black leather jacket and has long blonde hair.

A Passion for Lifelong Wellness

For Alex, the motivation to become an educator comes from a desire to make a lasting difference in students’ lives through health and fitness.

“I want to help kids to pursue lifelong fitness and health.”

That passion has guided her experiences both in and outside the classroom throughout her time at Ball State.

Athletics, Family, and Opportunity

Alex chose Ball State for both academic and personal reasons.

“I wanted to come to Ball State to play soccer and I wanted to be closer to my extended family in Indiana.”

Her experience as a student-athlete has played a major role in shaping her college journey and leadership skills.

Five women stand closely together in a row with their arms around one another, smiling at the camera. They are dressed in casual clothing, and four of the five have their long hair down while one has her hair in a ponytail. They are standing in a sports room with red walls. Part of the word “Champions” and the year “2007” are visible on the wall behind them, along with a partially obscured team photograph. On the adjacent wall is a framed display listing women’s soccer records. Visible text includes “Ball State Women’s Soccer MAC Conference,” “Ball State Record,” and several record categories, including “Points – Kate Nadalin 28,” “Goals – Kate Nadalin 13,” and “Assists – Angie Heyer 7.”A Senior Night to Remember

When reflecting on her favorite Ball State memory, one moment stands above the rest.

“My soccer senior night.”

Celebrating her collegiate soccer career alongside teammates and family made for a meaningful and unforgettable experience.

A large group of 27 young women stand together in a locker room, smiling and posing for the camera. The ceiling is decorated with streamers, and the group is dressed casually in athletic wear.Leadership On and Off the Field

Alex has been deeply involved across campus and within the local community throughout her college experience.

Her involvement includes:

  • Ball State Soccer Team
  • Cardinal Catholic
  • Coaching the Burris Middle School soccer team
  • Serving as Religious Education Director for Muncie Catholic
  • Student teaching at Yorktown High School and Northview Elementary

These experiences have allowed her to mentor students in multiple settings while continuing to grow as an educator and leader.

A group of 13 young men and women stand and kneel on stage, smiling and posing for the camera alongside an older man (the Dean of the College of Health) wearing a gray suit and red tie. The students are dressed in business casual attire and each is holding a plaque that reads “Top 100.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Alex hopes to continue making an impact close to the community where she has been teaching.

“My ideal goal would to be a Physical Education teacher in the Yorktown School District.”

She’s especially excited about beginning the next chapter of both her professional and personal life.

“I am most excited to have my own classroom and get married over the summer.”

Six young men and women stand on stage smiling and posing for the camera with the Director of Athletics at Ball State, who is standing in the center of the group. The student-athletes are each holding a plaque that reads “Top 100.”

Advice for Future Educators

Alex’s advice for incoming future teachers is simple but powerful:

“Don’t be afraid to get in and start teaching.”

She encourages students to embrace opportunities early and gain confidence through experience.

Finding Balance and Fun

Outside of teaching and athletics, Alex enjoys activities that help her relax and recharge.

“I love playing pickleball and card games.”

And one fun fact? She played badminton in high school.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

One of Alex’s proudest academic experiences was presenting alongside faculty and classmates at a national conference.

“I went on the national physical education conference and presented with my professors and three classmates.”

Experiences like these have helped prepare her to become a confident and collaborative educator.

A Future Focused on Student Wellness

Through athletics, leadership, teaching, and service, Alex is preparing to inspire students both inside and outside the gymnasium. Her commitment to lifelong health and wellness reflects the impact future educators can have far beyond the classroom.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting more inspiring future educators in our Top 100 Student Spotlight series.