The RoundHouse | 11/17/2023 4:19:00 PM

 By Paul Suellentrop
 
Bailey Urban and Lauren Lucas watched the Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball last summer to see their friend play shortstop and to witness the growth of their favorite sport on ESPN networks.
 
"I'd watch these people play for a long time," said Urban, a senior outfielder for Wichita State. "It's always playing the best vs. the best, every single week."
 
In June, Athletes Unlimited brings its unique format of professional softball to Wilkins Stadium in a demonstration of how the sport is growing and how Wichita State is part of that popularity. Former Shocker All-American shortstop Sydney McKinney – who played in Athletes Unlimited last summer – will be one of the 42 athletes competing over the 18-game schedule.
 
"It's honestly a dream," McKinney said. "It feels like worlds are colliding. I feel like I'm growing into AU, and I still have so much family here in Wichita, so it's really cool that we're combining."
 
Last summer, ESPN2 or ESPNU televised the games. Former UCLA pitcher Rachel Garcia, former James Madison pitcher Odicci Alexander, former Oklahoma infielder Caleigh Clifton and former Washington infielder Sis Bates are among the athletes who played. Rosters for 2024 are not set.
 
The Athletes Unlimited games are another piece in the story of rising softball popularity at Wichita State.
 
"The question that I've been asked the most is why Wichita?" said Cheri Kempf, director of partnership marketing at Athletes Unlimited. "It's because I believe in this region. I believe in this city. And I think that this is an area and a demographic that will appreciate the caliber of play that you're going to see for 18 games in June."
 
The Shockers have played in three straight NCAA regionals and five since 2016, the program's best era. With that success and charismatic Shockers such as McKinney, the sport matters and Wichita State – as with The Basketball Tournament – is a willing, enthusiastic and supportive host for events that highlight the athletic department and city.
 
"Shocker softball the last couple years – we've filled the stands a few times, we've had some sold-out games," Wichita State coach Kristi Bredbenner said. "One of the most exciting things is to have Syd back. I hope we continue investing in women."
 
McKinney, the top pick in last year's Athletes Unlimited draft, played a significant role in that popularity. She earned All-America honors in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and led the nation in batting average in 2022 (.522) and 2023 (.520).
 
McKinney and other recent stars such as Cacy Williams, Mackenzie Wright, Madison Perrigan, Bailey Lange and Addison Barnard all played a role in boosting the sport, both with their performance on the field and their willingness to sign autographs, talk with youngsters and promote the sport.
 
That success and those personalities are the driving force behind fund-raising for major improvements to Wilkins Stadium, some of which are complete. Artificial turf, lights and a third-base dugout are recent additions, as is a hitting area next to the stadium.
 
In June, some of the world's best softball players compete on the stadium's new turf within sight of more planned additions such as a practice facility, locker room and offices.
 
"If you can see it, you can be it," said Lucas, a third-team All-American last season. "They get to watch us play. This brings another level to it. To be able to see another way this sport is growing and show that to a younger generation can only make for a better future for the sport."
 
The Wichita segment of the summer runs June 10-24 with 42 athletes playing 18 games. Later in the summer, the AU Pro Softball Championship takes place in Rosemont, Ill. 
 
Players earn points for wins and statistics and top point scorers draft new teams. "The Athletes Unlimited system essentially does away with fixed teams by redrafting every roster every week, producing greater team parity and highlighting individual parity," according to the AU website.
 
Players earn a base salary plus bonuses.
 
"Forty-two of the best softball players in the world," McKinney said. "Four teams. We draft new teams every week. They're going to see fresh teams. Pretty much all-star teams. It's some of the most intense games I've ever played in."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.