<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752691670940.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State head softball coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1271" rel="smarttag" rev="1271">Kristi Bredbenner</a></dfn>&nbsp;has added three graduate assistants to her staff, all three former All-Americans for the Shockers during their playing days. Sydney McKinney,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967" rel="smarttag" rev="8967">CC Wong</a></dfn>&nbsp;will all make their return to the Shocker softball program after highly decorated playing careers in the Black and Yellow. "We are ecstatic to have Sydney, Lauren and CC back," Bredbenner said. "Their willingness to want to stay and give back to Shocker Softball says a lot about their experience. Most importantly, their knowledge, passion and desire to develop the next generation of Shocker is evident. All three of them continue to represent Wichita State at the highest level. We are proud of their accomplishments, and we are so excited to have them share their experiences with our program." McKinney, the former No. 1 overall draft pick is in her first season with the Bandits, the inaugural season of the AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League).&nbsp;She is wrapping up her third professional season overall with Athletes Unlimited. McKinney is the most decorated softball player in program history, earning All-America honors three times and a two-time American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Lucas just completed her eligibility this past season at Wichita State, picking up First Team All-Conference honors for the third time in her career. Fresh out of college, Lucas is nearing the end of her first season as a professional with the New York Rise. Wong made the most of her lone season in uniform for Wichita State, earning All-America honors and ranking 2nd nationally in batting average. She was a student assistant on the softball team in 2024-25 while finishing her bachelor's degree. Wong is currently representing her home country on the Canadian National Team.</div>

🥎 Bredbenner adds trio of former players to coaching staff at WSU