Many collegiate athletes have bounced around to multiple teams throughout their playing careers since the transfer portal era started in 2018. However, this is not the case for senior outfielder Jaden Gustafson.
He is entering his fourth year with Wichita State on a team with 31 newcomers.
“It means everything (to be heading into my fourth year here),” Gustafson said. “I want to win here, and that’s always been my goal. This is my last chance to do it, so I’m going to try to go out with a bang.”
Gustafson, a Maize High graduate, has improved each year that he’s been with WSU. His batting average, runs, hits, slugging percentage, walks and on-base percentage have all gone up from year to year. He credits the coaching staff with this annual uptick.
“That’s just a testament to the coaching,” Gustafson said of his steady improvement. “I think it’s just listening to the coaches, taking little tips from them and kind of making it your own and just improving day by day.”
Gustafson’s batting average is one of his most impressive statistics. He hit .303 last season, up from .296 the previous year.
His batting average isn’t the only metric to see an increase. So has his power at the plate. After not recording a home run as a freshman and sophomore, Gustafson hit his three career home runs last season, including his first on April 6 at Charlotte.
“It was great,” Gustafson said. “As soon as I saw the ball go over the fence, it was like, ‘Finally.’ It was nice to just see one finally go over.”
The 6-foot-3, left-handed outfielder hopes to enjoy this feeling more during the upcoming season. In the offseason, he focused on getting stronger and having more barrel control to improve that aspect of his game.
“We finally got Gustafson in the weight room, so that’s a real positive,” head coach Brian Green said with a smile.
The Shockers struggled last season, finishing the year at 20-36, including a record of 5-23 in non-home games. The 36 losses tied for second-most in program history.
“I don’t like the way last season (went), the taste it left in our mouth,” Gustafson said.
Despite the disappointing season, Gustafson didn’t hesitate to return to WSU for his senior year. It gave him enough motivation to “go out with a bang” with his hometown team.
“There were never really any thoughts about leaving,” Gustafson said. “I’m a Wichita kid. There’s some unfinished stuff I have here. I was ready to come back and end it on a better note, for sure.”
Wichita State opens its season against Northern Colorado at 3:05 p.m. on Friday at Eck Stadium.
“I always enjoy playing at Eck so being able to start the season off with a home series is pretty cool,” Gustafson said.
