Category: Shocker Athletics

Wichita State’s Mercy Jepkoech claimed her first American Conference weekly award, the conference announced Oct. 7.

The freshman from Eldoret, Kenya was named the American Conference Athlete of the Week following a top-10 finish at the Chile Pepper Festival. She ran 16:54.2 in the 5,000-meter race, recording the best finish by an American Conference runner in the competition.

She has finished in the top 10 in all three meets she has raced in thus far and is set to run again with the rest of the team at the Pre-National Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Columbia, Missouri.

Shocker Athletics announces an all-new way for fans to connect with their favorite coaches and programs. Beginning this season, popular coaches shows are moving from radio broadcasts to a fully on-demand podcast format — giving Shocker fans the flexibility to listen anytime, anywhere.

The new format allows fans to stay connected with the volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball programs in a way that fits their busy schedules. Episodes will be packed with insider updates, in-depth conversations with coaches and behind-the-scenes stories that fans love — now available on their favorite podcast platforms.

For more information on the schedule for each sport and a link to each show, visit goshockers.com/coachesshows.

Shocker men’s basketball will host former Missouri Valley Conference rival Drake in a charity scrimmage at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 here in Charles Koch Arena. All tickets are $20 and seating is general admission. Tickets are available for purchase online or by contacting the Shocker Athletics Ticket Office. Proceeds will be split between two local community groups, the Wichita Children’s Home and UJUMP. Come be a part of a good cause and get an early glimpse of the men’s basketball squad.

Visit the Charles Koch Arena Shocker Store location during the Dig Pink Shocker Volleyball game at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 in Charles Koch Arena and grab a pink Shocker trucker hat for just $5 while supplies last. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Valid at the Charles Koch Arena store only.

Join Shocker volleyball for its Dig Pink game at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at home in Charles Koch Arena and make sure to grab your official T-shirt beforehand. For every T-shirt sold, the Shocker Store will donate $1 to the Side-Out Foundation. Shirts are available at the Koch Arena store and at shockerstore.com. Plus, the first 500 fans to enter the game receive a free pair of pink sunglasses, courtesy of the Shocker Store.

Shocker volleyball takes part in Wichita State’s Shocktoberfest Homecoming and Family Weekend with its home opener against Tulsa at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Support the team to kick off the weekend’s festivities as Shocker Athletics recognizes volleyball alumni. The first 150 WSU students receive a free “Fear the Wheat” pickleball paddle. There will also be a beer, brats and pretzel concession special.

Shocker women’s tennis players Xin Tong Wang and Giorgia Roselli are set to compete in the 2025 ITA All-American Championships, beginning Saturday, Sept. 20 at Cary Tennis Park.

Wang and Roselli earned bids in both doubles and singles. The pair are in the qualifying draw in doubles together, and Roselli is in the pre-qualifying draw in singles, while Wang is in the main draw. The pair is ranked No. 31 in doubles, and Wang is ranked No. 73 in singles by the ITA.

Shocker men’s tennis senior Alejandro Jacome is set to compete in the 2025 ITA All-American Singles Championship Sept. 20-28 at Tulsa’s Michael D. Case Tennis Center.

Jacome is making his second career appearance at ITA All-Americans, once again competing in the pre-qualifying draw.

Wichita State welcomes Jacob Eddins as the new head coach of the Shocker women’s tennis team. With a proven track record of elevating collegiate programs to national prominence, Eddins brings exceptional leadership, recruiting acumen and a passion for student-athlete development to Shocker tennis.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jacob Eddins, and his family, to Wichita State,” said Kevin Saal, director of athletics. “His impressive and successful track record across multiple programs, including Illinois, West Virginia, Auburn and Western Carolina, aligns seamlessly with our vision for dynamic growth and championship-level performance. Jacob’s energy, expertise and commitment to student-athletes will be critical elements in the future success of our program.”

“I am honored to be named the next head women’s tennis coach at Wichita State University,” Eddins said. “I want to thank Director of Athletics Kevin Saal and Senior Associate AD Brad Pittman for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead a program with such a proud and storied tradition. I’m also incredibly grateful to my wife, Michaela, and our four beautiful children – Kylie, Gavin, Jayce and Carter – for their unwavering love and support. I wouldn’t be in this position without them and can’t thank them enough.”

Shocker volleyball student-athletes Sydney Dunning and Jordan Heatherly have both been named to the American Conference Honor Roll for their performances at the Golden Eagle Invitational. Heatherly had one of the best weeks by an American setter, while Dunning put together one of the top offensive efforts.

The Shockers finished the tournament 3-0 with sweeps over Radford, Tennessee Tech and Samford.

Dunning, a junior outside hitter from McClave, Colorado, averaged 4.44 kills and 2.67 digs per set, while hitting .514. Heatherly, a junior setter from Western Springs, Illinois, averaged 11.00 assists, 1.89 kills, 0.44 service aces, 2.00 digs and 0.56 blocks per set, while hitting .556. She also guided the team to a .397 attack percentage.