Sydney McKinney joined the Wichita State softball program as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in July of 2026.
A three-time All-American and two-time American Conference Player of the Year, McKinney returned to the dugout on a full-time basis after spending the 2026Â season as a graduate assistant on staff. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 Athletes Unlimited Collegiate Softball Draft will oversee the defense, while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.
"Sydney helped build one of the greatest eras in Wichita State Softball as a player, and now she'll help build the next one as a coach," said Wichita State head softball coach Kristi Bredbenner. "She represents everything our program stands for—competitive excellence, toughness, humility and an unwavering commitment to others. I couldn't be more excited to have her leading our defense and helping shape the future of our program."
McKinney spent two seasons (2024-25) on staff at Marshall as an assistant coach, primarily working with the Thundering Herd hitters.
As a player, McKinney - one of the most accomplished athletes statistically in college softball history - was a career .451 hitter for the Shockers, with 378 hits, 48 doubles, 28 home runs, and a .647 slugging percentage. She is Wichita State's all-time leader in batting average, hits, runs scored, and total bases. Her 378 hits rank fifth all-time in NCAA DI history. Her 34-game hitting streak was the sixth-longest in NCAA Softball history.Â
McKinney also became the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in both batting average and hits in consecutive seasons.
The Norborne, Mo., native is completing her fourth professional season with Athletes Unlimited, and first as a member of the AUSL's Oklahoma City Spark.
