Wichita State women’s basketball newcomers K.P. Parr, Bre White and Kyleigh Ortiz join us to talk about their first weeks as Shockers. They describe the family atmosphere that WSU coaches create during recruiting. Parr discusses why it’s important to be remembered for more than basketball. White reveals her musical side and Ortiz tells us why she is Kevin Durant fan. We also talk TV shows, advice for young athletes and jersey numbers.
Hurdler Joseph Holthusen, a senior from Bishop Carroll, is wrapping up a standout career with the Shockers. We talk about his football roots, the importance of family and Luke Holthusen, his brother and future Shocker. We discuss how Holthusen worked through an injury that cost him much of the 2022 season. We also talk about “Survival,” a board game he developed and sells, a recruiting snub and the generation gap he encounters as a redshirt senior. The AAC Championships begin Friday in San Antonio and Holthusen ranks first in the conference in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.84 seconds.
Infielders CC Wong and Krystin Nelson join the podcast to prepare fans for the AAC Championship this week at Wilkins Stadium. They discuss how pitching and defense is coming together in recent weeks to lift the Shockers on a hot streak. They talk about pitcher Chloe Barber and how she’s improved over her freshman season. Wong tells us about her aspirations to play for Canada this summer. Nelson reveals why she gave up No. 12 and now wears No. 21. We also talk about Addison Barnard’s career with the Shockers and their advice for choosing a college.
Wichita State volleyball coach Chris Lamb gives us his perspective on spring practices and scrimmages. We get into how Emerson Wilford’s role will increase and why her talents remind Lamb of former Shocker Emily Adney. He breaks down how he thinks Sarah Barham, a transfer from Wofford, and returner Morgan Stout will give the Shockers strong blocking in the middle next fall. Point-scoring is a big question on Lamb’s mind, so he discusses sophomore Maddie Wilson and her versatility as an attacker. To wrap up, Lamb talks about how Shocker coaches are using the transfer portal.
Wichita State’s Harlond Beverly joins the podcast with the story of why his dad wanted him to wear No. 20 and the NBA player who also wore that number. We discuss Beverly’s admiration of LeBron James and his growing affection for UFC. We also talk about why the Shockers improved over the season’s final weeks. He describes how coach Paul Mills challenged him to be a better offensive player and how Mills’ work building relationships pays off. We wrap up with movie talk, diving into Beverly’s favorite films by Christopher Nolan.
We check in on spring volleyball with libero/DS Katie Galligan and outside hitter Emerson Wilford. They update us on the two newcomers, goals this spring and how the NIVC title helped set a high standard in the gym. We also talk about contentious game nights at the Galligan house and how their family lives shaped their college careers. We wrap up with a Morgan Weber appreciation segment before discussing Katie’s future as an influencer and plans for the team’s trip to Brazil in May.
Wichita State pitching coach Anthony Claggett joins the podcast to dive into a staff that is among the nation’s leaders in ERA and WHIP as the halfway point of the season approaches. We discuss how the coaches built trust during a time of transition and what the conversation in the dugout sounds like when a pitching change is under consideration. Claggett talks about how catchers work with umpires and frame pitches to help pitchers. We also discuss how Shockers such as Nate Adler and Caden Favors made significant progress from the previous season.
Director of athletics Kevin Saal joins the podcast to discuss name, image and likeness and how Wichita State is navigating these changes in college athletics. We talk about the basics of NIL and dive into specifics about fund-raising targets by sport, what the competition is doing and how Wichita State is improving mental health, academic and competitive conditions for its athletes. We also discuss the Wheat Shock Collective and its new partnership with Blueprint Sports.
NCAA All-American Destiny Masters talks about her success in the pentathlon and high jump at the NCAA Indoor Championships earlier this month in Boston. We discuss why she and Rainbolt make a good team, why flexibility is key and how Masters found her love for track and field. We also talk about why the 800 meters is a tough event and why Masters thrives in the high jump’s do-or-die situations.
Wichita State outfielders Dayvin Johnson and Jaden Gustafson join the podcast to talk about their jersey numbers, walk-up songs and a Daffy Duck headband. We discuss last weekend’s competition in Jacksonville, Fla., and the comeback victory over No. 18 Iowa. We also discuss the coaching staff, favorite big-leaguers and the toughest pitchers faced. WSU’s home opener is 3 p.m. Friday against Utah Tech with games following Saturday and Sunday.
