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Wichita State softball starts the season this weekend in Texas. Associate head coach Elizabeth Economon joins the podcast to set the scene.

We discuss how the schedule balances tough competition with confidence-building games and how using the team's new indoor practice facility helps build routines. Newcomers such as Johnna Schroeder and Mackenzie Rooney adapted during the fall and Economon muses about where they might fit in the spring lineup.

We discuss how first base and designated player could shake out and how that is a key to the batting order. Returners such as Jodie Epperson and Brookelyn Livanec contributed last season and Economon talks where they fit in 2026.

Economon is entering her ninth season with Wichita State softball as hitting coach. The Shockers start play on Friday in Waco, Texas, vs. Mississippi State at 12:30 p.m. and host Baylor at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, they play Northwestern State and Baylor. WSU wraps up the tournament on Sunday vs. New Mexico.