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Sarah Schumacker described her soccer career at Ball State University as a "gradual ladder."

So when Schumacker — a 2005 Fairfield graduate — reached the top, her first postseason honor came with it.

Schumacker, a four-year letterwinner for the Cardinals, was recently named to the Mid-American Conference first team after moving from forward to defense for the 2008 season.

While she stabilized Ball State's backline, Schumacker also produced on the offensive end with two goals and three assists. She finished her career sixth all-time in scoring (34 points), seventh in goals (11) and fifth in assists (12).

"To me, if anyone deserved to be recognized this season it was Sarah Schumacker," Ball State coach Michael Lovett said on the school's Web site. "She epitomized a true team player. She unselfishly moved from forward to defense for the betterment of our team and flourished in the back. She was arguably our best player this year and I am happy that she was recognized by the league for her play."

Schumacker — along with fellow Fairfield product Jen Vilkoski, whom she has played with since they were 8 years old — helped the Cardinals to a 9-10-1 overall record and 5-5-1 mark in the MAC.

Schumacker took some time this week to chat with the Echo.

On her career at Ball State: "I had a great experience, and I developed as a player. I played almost every position but goalie. I had three different coaches while at Ball State, and it was nice. It opens your eyes when you get a new boss. It was a good life experience. These girls are my family up here."

On her being named first-team All-MAC: "It definitely meant a lot to me. I spent all four years showing up every day, and it's nice to have someone recognize you for your work ethic. I was shocked I got it for defense. It was icing on the cake to top off my four years here. It was a great way to go out my senior year."

On moving from forward to defender: "It threw me off a little bit at first. Being a senior, you think it's your spot. We had a couple injuries, and the coaches looked at me and said, 'You're the only person we trust back there. If you're willing to do it, we need you this year.' I'm a captain, and I wanted to do whatever's best. It ended up working pretty good. I was pretty happy with it. It wasn't my ideal spot, but you have to do what the team needs you to do."

On her most memorable moment at Ball State: "Being MAC champs my sophomore year. It was the first time in the program. To be the first to accomplish that here at Ball State has been memorable."

On playing with Vilkoski: "It's been awesome. We've had our ups and downs. We're very competitive with each other. When we both came to college, it was really great to have someone else who's been where you came from. They understand you on a whole new level. It's been awesome having that support system. She's an accounting major, too, so we have classes together."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.