WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita State softball was picked to finish third by the league's coaches in the American Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, it was announced Wednesday morning.
The Shockers received 59 total votes, finishing behind Florida Atlantic and South Florida. The reigning regular season champion Owls received eight first place votes, while the Bulls had the other two.
Wichita State brings back only seven returners from last year's team, while welcoming 14 newcomers into the mix. Pitcher
Ryley Nihart is back after earning American Conference Co-Freshman of the Year honors.
The Shockers open the season at the Getterman Classic in Waco, Texas, Feb. 6-8. Wichita State will play five games over three days against Mississippi State, Baylor, Northwestern State and New Mexico.
A limited amount of season tickets remain, so get yours today at GoShockers.com/Tickets or by calling the Shocker Ticket Office at 316-978-3267.
2026 American Conference Softball Coaches Poll
Â
| 1. Florida Atlantic (8) |
80 |
| 2. South Florida (2) |
71 |
| 3. Wichita State |
59 |
| 4. Charlotte |
58 |
| 5. North Texas |
45 |
| 6. East Carolina |
44 |
| 7. Tulsa |
35 |
| 8. UAB |
27 |
| 9. UTSA |
20 |
| 10. Memphis |
11 |
(#) denotes first place votes
Â
