Why Wichita’s softball boom has Sydney McKinney’s fingerprints all over it
From the moment Sydney McKinney set foot on Wichita State’s campus, softball coach Kristi Bredbenner made one thing clear: leave this place better than you found it.
Last week was proof McKinney did exactly that.
The former All-American returned to Wilkins Stadium not only to play seven games in front of packed crowds with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, but also to help christen WSU’s new $7 million indoor practice facility — a symbol of just how far the program, and the sport in Wichita, have come.
As McKinney departed Wichita earlier this week, she couldn’t help but reflect on the city’s softball boom — and the pride she feels knowing her fingerprints are all over it.
“I have an overwhelming sense of pride for Wichita State softball,” McKinney said. “I’m really happy that I could leave a legacy here better than I found it. I feel like I earned some of this for the program and it’s just really nice to see Wichita still supporting softball like this.”
McKinney didn’t disappoint in her homecoming, either.
She dazzled the hometown fans once again, hitting .444 with a home run and seven RBIs during his time in Wichita. She also turned a slick double play and made a highlight-reel diving catch that surely stirred memories for Shocker fans.
“Every time you go back home, you want to perform for your people,” McKinney said. “There is some extra pressure, especially when you’re playing against such good competitors. But once I get back here, I almost feel a calming sense. I want to be great for the fans who support me and I’m glad I was able to show out and have some good games for them. It was a lot of fun.”
But McKinney’s impact on softball in Wichita runs deeper than the box score.
Her success, along with WSU’s rise under Bredbenner, helped spark unprecedented interest in the sport locally. Wilkins Stadium, once modest, has undergone a face-lift. A new $7 million indoor practice facility — complete with a full infield and batting cages — just opened.
During her stay, McKinney was invited to take the ceremonial first swing inside the new building.
“There’s not a lot of facilities that I’ve been in or seen that have that much space specifically for softball,” McKinney said. “It’s usually a shared space with either baseball or football, so it’s awesome that Wichita State has something like that. They’re going to get some really good recruits to come because of those facilities.”
It’s the kind of investment that seemed distant during her playing days — but now stands as proof of how far the program, and the sport in Wichita, have come.
McKinney’s return coincided with the AUSL’s latest stop in Wichita, where sold-out crowds once again packed Wilkins Stadium. Her presence is part of the reason professional softball has thrived here — and why Wichita remains a prime candidate to become a permanent AUSL city when the league transitions to a city-based format next year.
“Every time you talk about softball in Wichita, Sydney McKinney’s name comes up and that’s a beautiful thing,” Bredbenner said. “She was such a big part of that great run we had when we played in the postseason three years in a row and she was a three-time All-American. That’s when we started selling out softball games here and people really got interested in softball because we were putting out a great product and she was a huge part of that.”
McKinney also continues to give back off the field. She partnered with Koch, a major supporter of bringing pro softball to Wichita, to host a free clinic that drew nearly 150 kids.
With her playing career now her full-time focus — McKinney recently left her coaching position at Marshall, hired an agent, and plans to explore international playing opportunities after the AUSL season wraps in July — she’s determined to help softball grow at every level.
“Softball still has a long ways to go in the pro space, but the partnership with MLB was huge for the progress of our sport,” McKinney said. “The AUSL leadership has done an amazing job and I know so many people are working behind the scenes to make sure this league sticks.
“I definitely think it’s going to be sooner rather than later when we can just play full time in the AUSL and not have to go overseas or work another job. We’re really close and I’m so excited for the growth in this sport.”
This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 6:01 AM.
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