The RoundHouse | 1/10/2024 5:18:00 PM
By Paul Suellentrop
Addison Barnard's 2023 season stands up as a good one for most college softball players. She hit 14 home runs which, as recently as 2014, would have ranked first for a season in Wichita State history.
Barnard, however, set a higher standard with record-breaking numbers in 2021 and 2022. A shoulder injury suffered in late February limited her power during the 2023 season, although she played in 52 of the 56 games. She ramped up slowly in the fall while rehabbing from surgery after the season.
The Shockers started practice this week before their opener vs. Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 9 in the Bearkat Classic in Huntsville, Texas. Barnard is ready to return to the days in which her power and speed made her one of the nation's best hitters.
"Being healthy is a good thing," she said. "Hopefully, my shoulder holds up and I'm able to swing a little more. I'm really excited and I just want to have fun."
Coach
Kristi Bredbenner envisions a healthy Barnard, a senior outfielder, headlining an offense that likely looks different from past seasons. Their most proven attribute is a pitching staff that returns
Alex Aguilar,
Lauren Howell and
Alison Cooper, all of whom appeared in 28 or more games and threw 110 or more innings.
The Shockers, who went 44-12 last season with an American Athletic Conference title and NCAA berth, probably won't hit with as much power this season. They are focused on bunting, stealing bases and moving runners without smashing the ball over the fence at a record pace.
"We're going to have to be a different team," Bredbenner said. "In my time here, we've probably spent an hour total on bunting. In the last few days, we've spent 30 minutes each day."
The Shockers lost All-American shortstop
Sydney McKinney, first baseman
Zoe Jones and designated player
Lauren Mills. Centerfielder
Lauren Lucas, who hit .384 with a team-leading 16 doubles, will miss the season due to injury.
"(Barnard) looks great," Bredbenner said. "In the month of November, she looked as good, if not better, than when she was really in her prime. She's in great shape."
Barnard, from Beatrice, Neb., played a significant role in all the fun around Wichita State softball during three NCAA regional appearances. As a freshman, she set WSU's single-season home run record with 22 on her way to third-team Softball America All-American honors.
In 2022, she backed those numbers up with 33 home runs and 25 stolen bases, in addition to hitting .391. More All-American honors, of course, followed.
In her first two seasons, Barnard established herself as a rare power-speed threat. As a junior, she hit .369 with a career-high nine doubles, a career-high four triples and 22 steals. While the injury sapped her power a bit, her speed remained a weapon.
"She had a pretty good run at it when you consider she had a significant injury," Bredbenner said. "She's a tough kid."
Barnard, WSU's career home run leader with 69, aims to hit with more power while continuing to use her legs. Bredbenner is considering batting her first to force teams to either pitch to her or risk turning her loose on the bases.
"I did bunt a lot more than I usually do last year," Barnard said. "This year, I think I can still use that to my advantage."
Wichita State's batting order will look a lot different this season. Barnard's good health can go a long way to helping the Shockers score enough to win, even if those scores are 3-2 instead of 10-5.
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
