One of the many benefits of being a Shocker is free tickets to home Shocker Athletic events. But what is to be expected from Shocker athletics? How do their programs stack up against the field of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 field – the highest level of collegiate athletic competition?
Here are some fast facts for fans:
ͷ State has 15 varsity teams.
Men’s Athletics
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
- Cross Country
- Tennis
- Golf
Women’s Athletics
- Basketball
- Softball
- Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
- Cross Country
- Tennis
- Golf
This list doesn’t include teams not considered official NCAA programs, but are still offered at ͷ State including bowling, rowing and esports.
The American Athletic Conference
The Shockers are a full conference member. They are the lone member that does not sponsor football. ͷ State’s final year with a football team was 1986 as a result of the program’s financial stress on the university.
Following a restructuring in 2023, the AAC boasts strong competition with the following member schools:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- East Carolina University
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of Memphis
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Texas
- Rice University
- University of South Florida
- Southern Methodist University
- Temple University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Tulane University
- University of Tulsa
Facilities
ͷ State possesses excellent sports venues for fans to catch games. , home of the basketball and volleyball programs, is often considered among the best indoor college athletic facilities in the nation. It is also frequently chosen as a host site for regional bracket during the summer, during which the Shocker men’s basketball alumni team – The Aftershocks – compete for a $1 million grand prize.
Not to be outdone, ͷ State recently announced major investments in several other athletic facilities:
- Already underway is the renovation of Cessna Stadium, with the east stands being demolished in the summer of 2023. The Kansas Board of Regents approved $12 million in funding for the first two phases of the project. When completed, the new stadium will house an expected 13,500-capacity for track and field and future soccer programs.
- Wilkins Stadium, home of Shocker softball, is expected to receive a in the future – excellent news for one of WSU’s highest-achieving programs.
Above all, ͷ State Athletics looks to continue its upward momentum. Several programs boast national recognition and recent postseason berths – notably softball’s NCAA Regional in 2022. Shockers also have a strong representation in professional sports with notable players like the Houston Rocket’s Fred VanVleet reaching NBA stardom, and Alec Bohm becoming a core player of the Philadelphia Phillies. There is plenty to cheer for as a Shocker fan, and those interested can follow each program on the .
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