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Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

(Photo illustration by Owen Prothro. Photos by Ellery Prothro, left, and courtesy of Wichita State Athletics, right)

How freshman Pierre Couisnard is following in his father’s footsteps – and setting himself apart

Ainsley Smyth, Managing Editor November 3, 2025

Pierre Couisnard and his father PJ (also Pierre) share much more than a name. Pierre, a freshman guard on Wichita State’s men’s basketball team, is following in the footsteps of PJ who played for the...

(Photo courtesy of Kameir Scales)

Two Scales, one team: Wichita State women’s basketball sees family connection on the sidelines

Taliyah Winn, Editor-in-Chief November 3, 2025

Before Antwain Scales ever joined Wichita State’s women’s basketball’s coaching staff, his daughter, Kameir, had already sought out her place on the team — as a student team manager. “She...

Wichita State senior Emmanuel Okorafor (20) snags a rebound during the men's basketball team scrimmage during Shocker Madness on Oct. 4. Okorafor previously played at Seton Hall and Louisville before transferring to WSU.

Big men on campus: Wichita State center duo finds strength in unity

Evan Tong, Multimedia Reporter November 2, 2025

A new frontcourt pair has arrived on Wichita State’s campus with the likes of Emmanuel Okorafor and Will Berg. “They are fantastic, they are mobile,” said Joy Ighovodja, a junior guard on the...

Wichita State junior outside Sydney Dunning (11) sends an attack over the net against Tulane on Oct. 24. Dunning made 14 kills during the win.

Wichita State volleyball sweeps USF, ends Bulls’ 17-game home conference win streak

Mack Smith, Reporter November 2, 2025

Wichita State volleyball pulled out the broom for its ninth sweep over South Florida on Sunday afternoon, 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-19).  The Shockers (16-8, 8-4 American) ended the Bulls’ (14-9, 10-2...

(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

How hometown Harding fits Wichita State women’s basketball on, off the court

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor November 2, 2025

Jaila Harding called it the “famous FaceTime.” When she called Terry Nooner to announce her commitment to Wichita State’s women’s basketball team, the Shockers’ head coach was so excited he...

Wichita State women's basketball guard Kyleigh Ortiz (1) sets up a play against Newman on Oct. 29. The Shockers won 96-49 in their exhibition.

Back from injury, Kyleigh Ortiz adds missing link for women’s basketball team

Mack Smith, Reporter November 1, 2025

Last season, redshirt junior guard Kyleigh Ortiz only played one minute against Oklahoma Christian before an injury ended her season. “It was definitely hard,” Ortiz said. “There was a lot of...

Wichita State women's basketball forward Bre'Yon White (12) reaches to save ball from Newman players on Oct. 29. The Shockers won their exhibition, 96-49.

Wichita State women’s basketball resets and recharges with new-look roster

Piper Pinnetti, Senior Reporter November 1, 2025

After a major roster shake-up, Wichita State women’s basketball enters the 2025-26 season with a retooled roster and a renewed focus on chemistry, defense and winning - all under third-year head coach...

Wichita State men's basketball junior Will Berg (44) jumps for the opening tipoff of a charity scrimmage against Drake on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Koch Arena. Berg is one of the tallest players in WSU history at 7-foot-2.

Wichita State men’s basketball tips off with depth, sharpshooting and new identity

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor November 1, 2025

Depth wins basketball games in March — and last season, Wichita State was stretched at times. A loss to Oklahoma State in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament exposed a key flaw for...

Wichita State junior Jaret Valencia (2) celebrates a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of men's basketball's team scrimmage during Shocker Madness on Oct. 4. The "White" team beat the "Black" team, 15-14.

From coast to coast: Valencia reflects on life across America

Kami Steinle, Reporter November 1, 2025

After experiencing diverse walks of American life, Jaret Valencia ended up in Wichita to play basketball at Wichita State. But Kansas isn’t as unfamiliar to him as one would think. Born in Quibdó,...

Wichita State volleyball redshirt sophomore Allie Paulsen (26) meets a Memphis Tiger at the net on Oct. 10. Paulsen made three kills in the 3-0 win.

Allie Paulsen blocks, team defense lead to Wichita State volleyball win at FAU

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor October 31, 2025

Allie Paulsen continues to reach new heights — literally. After Wichita State volleyball’s redshirt sophomore middle made five total blocks all last season, she’s averaged 5.8 over the last five...

WuShock crowd-surfs over the student section in the second half of the game against Evansville in Koch Arena on Feb. 21, 2017. (File photo)

‘Big, bad bundle of wheat’: Meet former faces behind WuShock

Maleah Evans, Arts and Culture Editor October 31, 2025

WuShock is a common sight at Wichita State sporting events and in the wild on campus. But, there is always speculation:  Who is the person behind the mask?  There are usually multiple people who...

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