Dear Shocker Nation,
College athletics is undergoing significant change, but we think our efforts in areas ranging from mental health to name, image and likeness are putting Wichita State on the positive side of recruiting and retaining student-athletes.
I’m pleased that men’s basketball returns eight of its student-athletes from 2023-24. Shocker baseball returns five of its top seven hitters and two top pitchers from the 2023 roster elected to return to Eck Stadium after playing elsewhere in 2024. Outstanding performers such as softball’s Lauren Lucas, volleyball’s Morgan Stout, track and field’s Destiny Masters, men’s golf’s Michael Winslow and women’s basketball’s Salese Blow are back on campus.
We know the support of our fans is critical in these retention efforts.
We ground everything we do in gratitude for the support of our community, so I am pleased to highlight our attendance marks from 2023-24 and ask for your continued interest in all our programs.
Wichita State ranked in the top 50 nationally in softball, volleyball and baseball attendance and in the top 100 in men’s basketball. In the American Athletic Conference, our attendance led all volleyball schools and ranked in the top four in the other sports.
There are, for example, 362 NCAA Division I men’s basketball schools and 307 for softball. We are proud to rank among the nation’s leaders and create a great atmosphere and winning edge for our student-athletes.
In addition, academic performance continues to provide a point of pride. Wichita State student-athletes recorded the second-highest spring semester cumulative grade-point average in school history with a 3.399 for the Spring 2024 semester. It was also the 38th-consecutive semester of earning higher than a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average department wide.
Shocker Athletics' mission is simple, "we exist to develop young people and programs, through first-class service to our student-athletes, coaches and Shocker Nation." The "Shocker Way" is our north star, it represents a sustained commitment to our core values, a specific student-athlete development process and competitive excellence. Through the "Shocker Way" we will develop young people and programs of which you can be consistently proud.
We know Shocker athletics add to the quality of life in our state in many ways. We plan to move up in the attendance rankings in 2024-25.
Whether you are a regular in Charles Koch Arena, hanging out on the Kosich Korner at Eck Stadium or cheering home runs in Wilkins Stadium, we don’t take your support for granted.
It is our job to put quality teams in Shocker uniforms to earn that support and build great experiences. I encourage you to check out goshockers.com for tickets and our list of promotions. For families, consider the Junior Shocker Kids Club.
The volleyball Shockers, coming off a National Invitational Volleyball Championship title, are picked second in the AAC poll. We host the conference tournament Nov. 22-24 with the NCAA bid on the line. Fans can also support the Shockers in championship competition when the AAC Cross Country Championship runs at L.W. Clapp Park on Nov. 2.
Our baseball and softball teams advanced to the title games of their conference tournaments last spring. Men’s basketball ended its season on a high note with a win over Memphis to advance to the quarterfinals of the AAC Championship. Men’s golf placed third, its highest finish as an AAC member.
Women’s bowling, the new addition to the roster of NCAA sports, is certain to add to our championship credentials. In April, the Shockers won their 11th Intercollegiate Team Championship title by defeating Jacksonville State, the 2024 NCAA champion. WSU, long a national power, will compete in Conference USA.
We know that our fans value their relationship with the Shockers and enjoy watching them grow as students and athletes over their careers. Our staff and coaches are investing heavily in recruiting and retaining student-athletes. We added resources in areas such as mental health, nutrition and strength and conditioning to improve the experience for our young people.
Our goal is to make Wichita State the kind of environment student-athletes see value in being a part of through championships, graduation and beyond. Our program surveys of our student-athletes show outstanding results – WSU ranked above its peer group of 100 schools (40 of which are Power 5) in 36 of 44 support categories regarding the experience at Wichita State.
The Wheat Shock Collective, led by former Shocker volleyball star Emily Hiebert, is also boosting our efforts in retention and recruiting and helping coaches build strong rosters.
These resources position all 16 of our sports programs at the starting line, as we pursue championships for Wichita State University, Shocker Nation and the City of Wichita.
Wheat Shock Collective supporters, alumni, and fans have three easy ways to contribute to the collective:
Tax-Deductible Donations: Wheat Shock Collective has partnered with the BPS Foundation, a national 501c3 organization, to support WSU student-athletes. Student-athletes will partner with local nonprofits to work as advocates for charitable causes, including fulfilling that commitment personally with community service hours.
Membership: Become a member of Wheat Shock Collective and receive exclusive member benefits, like meet-and-greets with student-athletes, autographed merchandise, and more.
Corporate Sponsorship: NIL allows local and national sponsors to partner with Wichita State student-athletes for endorsement deals, marketing campaigns, appearances, and other projects.
In addition, our department is focusing on strategic outbound sales as we continue to work to fill our venues and increase resources for our programs to meet our championship expectations. The Excellence in Management Cup ranks programs based on their maximization of fiscal resources through championship victories. WSU ranked No. 10 nationally for the 2022-23 school year in the rankings compiled by the Texas A&M College Sports Lab.
On behalf of our entire athletics department, thank you for your scholarship and annual operating support for our 16 sports programs, and the young people who develop within them. Moving forward, support for the Wheat Shock Collective is equally critical to winning championships.
We are thankful for you Shocker Nation and we look forward to building our programs together! Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at our fall and winter sports!
Go Shocks!
Kevin Saal
Director of Athletics