Seniors Orel Ovil and Zach Grueber discuss their careers at Wichita State, their advice for young college athletes and why they are involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Ovil talks about his future in coaching and how he used his life experiences in Israel to help the team. Grueber reveals his favorite Wichita pizza and both come prepared with several book recommendations. The Shocker tennis teams play their final home matches of the season on Saturday vs. Creighton.
Wichita State center fielder Lauren Lucas and catcher Lainee Brown talk about last weekend’s series win at UCF and the elements that make that rivalry matter. We discuss the upside of national rankings, who they text after a big game and which Shockers give positive energy. We also break down Brown’s offensive surge, how Lucas deals with catches at the wall and the potential for a 2023 “Give me your best impression of Coach E” video.
Outfielder Jordan Rogers and pitcher Caden Favors discuss uniform choices, falling in love with baseball and best and worst walk-up songs on the team. Favors explains his many roles on the staff, including last season’s run as the “opener.” Rogers talks about “energy vampires.” We also break down airplane comforts, newcomers to watch and how the Shocker coaches provided support during a time of transition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wichita State men’s assistant coach Tyson Waterman is on the microphone to prepare fans for Thursday’s Shocker Madness scrimmages and skills contest. Waterman talks about Craig Porter Jr.’s progress as a senior point guard, off-season bonding work with the team and newcomers to watch. He also reveals, somewhat reluctantly, his picks for the dunk and three-point shooting contests.
