IRVING, Texas–Defending American Athletic Conference regular season champion Wichita State was selected as the favorite to win the 2024 American Athletic Conference softball title in voting that was done by the league’s head coaches, the conference announced Tuesday.
The American welcomes UAB, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas and UTSA into competition this season. Starting this season, The American will have 10 teams competing in softball with the five additions joining continuing members East Carolina, Memphis, South Florida, Tulsa and Wichita State.
The Shockers earned eight first-place votes and 80 points in the preseason poll. Wichita State won its second regular season title after finishing 44-12 overall and 16-2 in The American a season ago. The Shockers reached their seventh NCAA Regional in program history. Wichita State returns 2023 American Rookie of the Year, pitcher Alex Aguilar, as well as All-American outfielder Addison Barnard.
Incoming member Charlotte finished with 70 points, including one first place vote. The 49ers enter The American coming off a 2023 Conference USA Championship, finishing 2023 with a 35-23 (.603) overall record. Last season marked the first NCAA Regional appearances for Charlotte. The 49ers return 2023 CUSA Newcomer of the Year in pitcher Sam Gress.
North Texas was picked to finished third with 66 points, including one first place vote, followed by South Florida (55 points), Florida Atlantic (47 points), UAB (40 points), Tulsa (37 points), East Carolina (29 points), Memphis (14 points) and UTSA (12 points).
The 2024 season begins Thursday, Feb. 8, while the 2024 American Softball Championship will take place May 8-11 at Wilkins Stadium on the campus of Wichita State.
2024 American Athletic Conference Softball Coaches’ Poll
1. Wichita State (8) 80
2. Charlotte (1) 70
3. North Texas (1) 66
4. South Florida 55
5. Florida Atlantic 47
6. UAB 40
7. Tulsa 37
8. East Carolina 29
9. Memphis 14
10. UTSA 12
(#) denotes first place votes
