The American Athletic Conference released its preseason poll on Monday and ranked Wichita State ninth out of 12 teams.
Last season, the Shockers finished 12-18 making them tenth in the AAC. The Shockers return four of their five starters after two main departures from seniors Sabrina Lozada-Cabbage and Cesaria Ambrosio.
Once again, WSU will be marked by inexperience with only six upperclassmen – Diamond Forrest, Mariah McCully, Ashley Reid, Raven Prince, Maya Brewer and Vendela Danielsson. Of the upperclassmen, only Reid, Prince and Brewer are returners from last year’s team.
In the poll, powerhouse UConn is projected to win the conference as they received 11 of the 12 first-place votes.