Softball | 2/6/2026 7:00:00 AM

 Podcast with associate head coach Elizabeth Economon previewing the 2026 season

By Paul Suellentrop
 
Chloe Rhine is from St. Louis, a city which fosters a special appreciation for baseball and, specifically, magic with the glove.
 
When Wichita State softball associate head coach Elizabeth Economon calls Rhine "Wizard," the meaning is clear. Ozzie Smith, one of the game's greatest fielding shortstops, is a role model Rhine values.
 
"In St. Louis, you understand the significance of that," she said. "St. Louis - that franchise has an unreal history of great athletes. Big props to my dad (Jim Rhine), he was always there to play catch with me and hit me grounders. Having that support in my life has been a really big thing, chasing me to be the best defender I can be and the best player I can be."
 
Rhine, a senior transfer from Saint Louis University, is expected to start at shortstop for Wichita State and help upgrade the infield defense. The Shockers open the season today (Friday) at the Getterman Classic in Waco, Texas. WSU opens vs. No. 22 Mississippi State at 12:30 p.m. and plays host Baylor at 5:30 p.m. (both on ESPN+).
 

Rhine, last season's Defensive Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10 Conference, started all 166 games she played in during three seasons at Saint Louis. Wichita State coach Kristi Bredbenner sees her as a strong defender who plays with a contagious spirit.
 
Rhine hit .254 with 29 doubles and 14 home runs in her career with the Billikens, who won conference titles in 2023 and 2025.
 
 "She plays with a love for the game," Bredbenner said. "She's going to be somebody that will really anchor our defense and I think make it a lot better. Great hands. Heartbeat of the infield."
 
Rhine, who played catcher before moving to shortstop early in her high school career at Rockwood Summit in Fenton, Mo. She grew up watching baseball with her father, a lefty pitcher in his high school days.
 
"I grew up taking pride in defense," she said. "I love to throw the ball. I love to make diving catches."
 
Rhine and her dad played long toss in their yard and practice fielding. She worked on her glove by bouncing balls off walls, in and out of the house. She loved watching third baseman Nolan Arenado and catcher Yadier Molina for the Cardinals. She studied videos of shortstops such as Troy Tulowitzki and Andrelton Simmons.
 
"It never felt like work for me," she said.
 
Rhine is one of 14 newcomers, nine of them transfers, who reshape the Shockers roster. Wichita State went 29-25-1, 15-11-1 in the American Conference, last season and is picked third in the preseason poll behind Florida Atlantic and USF.
 
WSU must replace outfielder Lauren Lucas, a third-team All-Central Region and all-conference pick, in addition to shortstop Taylor Sedlacek, who hit 15 home runs, outfielder Ellee Eck, third baseman Krystin Nelson, second baseman Sami Hood and first baseman Camryn Compton.
 
"I think the biggest thing for us is just a really good relationship," Bredbenner said. "There seems to be more joy for each other this year. Seeing each other's success and celebrating it. I didn't see as much of that last year. You see them get excited for each other."
 

Seven Shockers return from 2025, including pitcher Ryley Nihart, conference co-freshman of the year, and centerfielder Jodie Epperson, who hit .290 with 8 home runs. Brookelyn Livanec, who earned a spot on the conference all-freshman team, and catchers Gabby Scott and Catelyn Beckerly are back for their sophomore seasons. Pitcher Ava Sliger was second on the team in innings pitched last season as a freshman.
 
Sophomore Ausha Moore, a transfer from North Texas, is expected to play third base and add power to the lineup. Outfielder Mickayla Tosch and infielder Trinity Allen, the 2025 NJCAA Player of the Year, are both from McClennan (Texas) Community College. Stanford transfer Johnna Schroeder can play infield or outfield.
 
"We've moved (Schroeder) around a ton defensively to try to figure out where the best place is going to be for her," Bredbenner said. "She's a powerful lefty bat, really quick hands, great speed. She's going to be a good threat at the top of the lineup."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
 
Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well. To purchase, visit GoShockers.com/Tickets, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.