Softball picked overall No. 1 in preseason coaches poll

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor • January 16, 2024

The Wichita State softball team gathers together before the match against McLennan Community College on Sept. 16.

Wichita State softball was picked to repeat as American Athletic Conference champions in a coach’s preseason poll for its 2024 season and is set to repeat as conference champions.

Wichita State received eight first-place votes from coaches receiving 80 points. Coming in second was Charlotte with 70 points and North Texas with 66 points.

The Shockers are set to return with six starters, including three-time First Team All-Conference selection senior Addison Barnard and sophomore Sami Hood, the AAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Wichita State is set to open up the season at the Bearkat Classic in Texas from Feb. 9-11. The Shockers are set to play against Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

About the Contributors

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Former sports editor

Melanie Rivera-Cortez was the sports editor for The Sunflower in the 2023-2024 year. She graduated with a degree in journalism in May 2024. Rivera-Cortez uses she/her pronouns.

Bryan Chavez, Photographer

Bryan Chavez is a first-year photographer for The Sunflower. He is a freshman at Wichita State, majoring in Journalism and Media Production. Chavez is from Dallas, Texas, and wants to pursue a career as a professional sports photographer. Chavez's pronouns are he/him.