Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics
WICHITA, Kan. - In fall of 2022, Wichita State Athletics unveiled a 4-phase renovation project for Wilkins Stadium – home of Wichita State softball. On Thursday, July 20, 2023, the Wichita State University Board of Trustees voted, unanimously, to invest $3 million into Phase 1 of the project.
Phase 1, a $9.65 million endeavor, features the construction of an indoor practice facility, which includes a 12,000-square-foot team complex, housing a team locker room, coaches locker room, classroom, team room, athletic training room, staff offices, break room, work room, umpire locker rooms and laundry area. It will also feature a 14,400-square-foot indoor practice facility containing a full indoor infield, batting cages and storage areas.
"I would like to thank the Board of Trustees for their foundational investment in the long-term future of softball and women's athletics at Wichita State University," said Wichita State University President Rick Muma. "We are incredibly thankful for and appreciative of their commitment and support as we align resources to expectations."
In addition to several of the latest significant upgrades, Wichita State recently completed installation of artificial turf in the outfield, warning track, foul territory and apron areas.
"Over the last two years, collectively we have invested over $2 million in Wilkins Stadium upgrades to include new lights, batting cages, third base dugout and an artificial playing surface," said Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. "These upgrades paved the way for Shocker Athletics' to host the 2024 American Athletic Conference Softball Championship. The Wilkins Stadium renovation represents a significant capital project priority for WSU and we encourage Shocker Nation to join our institution's commitment as we strive to complete Phase 1 fundraising within the 2023 calendar year."
With the $3 million gift from the WSU Board of Trustees and the previously received gifts, Wichita State will have the opportunity to break ground on the indoor practice facility (Phase 1A) by the end of the 2023-24 academic year.
"This is an exciting and historic time for Wichita State Softball," said head softball coach Kristi Bredbenner. "The investment that the university is putting into the sport of softball is setting the bar high for women's sports programs across the country. To see the first phase of this state-of-the-art softball facility receive support of this magnitude is a testament to Wichita State's focus to Invest In Women. Thank you to Dr. Rick Muma and Kevin Saal for working together to make this dream a reality. Thank you to all the former Shocker softball players that have paved the way through their hard work on the field and in the classroom. Thank you to the fans that have packed C. Howard Wilkins Stadium and proven there is a necessity for expansion."
Under head coach Kristi Bredbenner, Wichita State has risen to national success, including three straight NCAA Regional appearances and five of the last seven NCAA Tournaments. Wichita State has won 67 percent of its games (239-119) over the last six full seasons, most recently a 44-12 campaign in 2023. The 44 wins were the second-most in school history.
Wichita State is fresh off its second American Athletic Conference championship in three years. All three of Wichita State's All-Americans in school history have come since 2021, including three-time All-American Sydney McKinney. McKinney became the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in hits and batting average in back-to-back seasons (2022, 2023). She was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 Athletes Unlimited College Draft.
For more information on donating to the Wilkins Stadium project and supporting the Wichita State softball program, contact the WSU Development Office at 316-978-7276.