Good morning! Awards for our Shockers on the diamond are coming in left and right, but this time, they’re not just representing Wichita State, but the entire country. Let’s dive into things, shall we?

What else are we tossing into today’s Brew?

🏀 New To The Court
⚾️ Two-Way Tolle
​🌾 And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Mr. 57. WSU’s everyday second baseman, Brock Rodden, was named to Collegiate Baseball’s All-American Third Team becoming the first player since 2018 to be selected as an All-American, and the 57th All-American in program history.

Rodden burst on to the scene this season and led the conference in both on-base percentage and slugging percentage. His .371 batting average, 62 runs scored, and 64 RBI’s were good enough for second across the AAC. He will add this to his resume alongside his First Team AAC All-Conference selection as he gears up to be one of the MLB’s high draft picks this coming July.

🔼 This Is America. All-American honors have been rolled out, and a few familiar faces find themselves representing the Shockers on each of those teams.

• Sydney McKinney wraps up the All American trifecta after being named to three All-American Teams from each of the three softball organizations. She was selected as an All American First Team-er by Softball America and the NFCA earlier this week. Talk about going out on top!

• Lauren Lucas, the breakout junior outfielder, earned her first All-American honors as a Softball America Third Team All-American selection. This season, she set career highs in doubles, triples, RBI’s with a .384 batting average.

🔼 New To The Court. Coach Nooner is still hard at work recruiting for next season, and as he builds his inaugural roster for the Shockers, he’s bringing in some serious talent. Joining WSU women’s basketball next year is grad transfer and forward, Femi Funeus.

Funeus spent the first four years of her career at Seton Hall before missing most of the past two seasons due to injury. After spending 714 days rehabbing, she made her return to the court in 2022 with Southern Miss and made 21 starts. She averaged 6.7 points per game with an average of 6 rebounds.

“Her ball-handling skills relative to her size, as well as her shooting touch and range, will allow her to have an immediate impact on the floor,” said Coach Nooner. The 6-foot-2 forward will have the chance to be a quality contributor to next season’s team.

🤔 SHOCKER TRIVIA

Recent Success. Shocker softball came away from the 2023 season with a number of accolades including a pair All-Americans in Sydney McKinney and Lauren Lucas.

The question today—do you know how many All-Americans have been selected in WSU softball history?

Think you got it? Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

🌾 ONE BIG THING

The sophomore who had a breakout season this year on the diamond is being recognized for his work as he was named a finalist for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award. Payton Tolle is one of five finalists to be named to the short list of finalists, and will find out later this year whether he will take home the award.

On the mound, Tolle had a great season, going 9-3 with a 4.62 ERA in 15 appearances. He led the AAC in wins and innings pitched, and finished second in the conference in strikeouts with 97 through 85.2 innings. At the plate, he held a batting average of .311 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI’s. He accumulated 20 multi-hit games, many of which resulted in offensive production.

The 6-foot-6 lefty is certified as one of the best two-way players in the nation, and regardless of the outcome, Tolle will be one to watch going forward for the Shockers.

📬 STICK WITH US

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📅 THE WEEKEND AHEAD

Friday 6/2

No scheduled events

Saturday 6/3

No scheduled events

Sunday 6/4

No scheduled events

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Three!

While McKinney has been named an All-American more than once, Lauren Lucas’ selection this year and Addison Barnard’s 2022 selection remain the only other Shockers to earn the honor.

Have a great weekend, y’all.