Libero Lara Uyar, a native of Turkey, discusses the current crisis in her country caused by an earthquake near the border with Syria. We learn how she is handling the emotions of being far away from family and friends during the difficult time and how her teammates offer support. We also talk about sports in Turkey, her adjustment to the United States and spring volleyball practices at Wichita State.
Wichita State softball coach Kristi Bredbenner takes fans through the roster, which positions she is watching closely as opening day approaches, and how the revamped pitching staff might look. We talk about the recent reveal of plans to improve Wilkins Stadium, why those efforts are important and how the rise in softball’s popularity is helping. A discussion of the home schedule is also included, highlighted by the story behind Stanford’s visit to Wilkins Stadium in March.
Wichita State assistant coach Josh Gliege and sophomore Michael Winslow talk about playing in the U.S. Amateur, rooming together on road trips and picking music for Instagram posts. We break down Winslow’s progress as a Shocker, favorite golf courses and how the Shockers hope to rebound from a disappointing fall when the spring schedule begins. Winslow discusses growing up in a big golf family and how they handle the stress of watching him play.
Shocker softball seniors Zoe Jones and Sydney McKinney are on the mic to discuss their first impressions of each other, how Jones keeps the mood light in the locker room with her chatter and how she is trying to improve her ability to read the room. We talk about bamboo pillows, bus-trip candy, books and the team’s “culture of weirdos.” They reveal their most anticipated non-conference opponents, break down the rivalry with UCF and why they think Caroline Tallent is ready for a breakout season.
Ezinne and Chidera Okoro join the podcast with the indoor track and field season near to talk about their journey to Wichita State, the team atmosphere with the Shockers and how the high school track meet at Cessna Stadium introduced them to the university. We discuss the difficulty of learning the triple jump and learn which sister uses an agenda to stay organized and which relies on her memory. They describe the joy of the feeling when everything goes right during a jump and update on us what they’re reading and watching.
Wichita State interim baseball coach Loren Hibbs joins us with the season drawing near. We discuss returners such as Brock Rodden and Jordan Rogers and newcomers such as Clark Candiotti and David Herring. We talk about Hibbs’ plans to listen to players and use their ideas, while demanding effort and accountability. We spend a few minutes on 1991 Shocker nostalgia and the nightmares Billy Hall and Chris Wimmer caused pitchers. We wrap up with Hibbs revealing his favorite uniform top and his feelings on how combinations are selected for each game.
Bob Powers and Robert Litan are the co-authors of a new book about Wichita State All-American basketball player Dave Stallworth. Powers was a teammate of Stallworth’s with the Shockers and a member of the 1965 Final Four team. Litan grew up in McPherson and Wichita as a Shocker fan watching the great teams of the early 1960s. All royalties from the book will be donated to the WSU Foundation for the David Stallworth Memorial Scholarship.
Wichita State women’s basketball is 6-1 entering Saturday’s game against New Orleans at Koch Arena. Guard DJ McCarty and forward Jane Asinde join the podcast to discuss the camaraderie and communication that are helping the Shockers. We also discuss the international flavor of the team, the best dancer and how McCarty improved her foul shooting. DJ stakes her claim as the team’s funny person and Jane explains the pride she feels representing Uganda as a college basketball player.
Wichita State volleyball assistant coach Brian Hosfeld talks about the how the Shockers are translating practice habits to matches in recent weeks, Morgan Weber’s volleyball IQ and Natalie Foster’s scoring in the middle. We also discuss his lifelong journey in coaching, the Japanese influence on his coaching style and his handy-man skills.
Connor Phelps, director of marketing and fan engagement, joins the podcast to talk about music, promotions, food and more as Shocker basketball season arrives. Phelps, a Wichita State graduate, discusses how the game-day staff organizes music and promotions, what’s new for fans at Koch Arena and what he learned from his time as a student working in the athletic department.
