HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University’s Head Coach, Morgan Zerkle, announced on Friday that Sydney McKinney, a consensus Softball All-American, will join the team as Assistant Coach.
“Syd is a stud on the field and will be a stud coach, as well. She knows what it takes to be successful, helping Wichita State become a dominant mid-major, and she is ready to dive headfirst into coaching our young women here at Marshall. Our final addition to the staff is yet another role model for our student-athletes to follow,” said Zerkle with a smile.
Sydney McKinney, a 2023 graduate of Wichita State University, was the first overall pick in the 2023 Athletes Unlimited College Softball Draft. Currently, she plays alongside fellow Marshall coaches, Aly Harrell, and Morgan Zerkle, in the same league.
McKinney, hailing from Norborne, Missouri, received recognition as a 2023 NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete. She has previously worked as a softball instructor and youth coach for “316 Elite Softball” and “Camp Syd” in Kansas.
“I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to join such a great staff, team, and community,” McKinney said. “Softball has given me so much, and I can’t wait to give back to the game by sharing my knowledge and passion with this program! I am excited to get to work and see what we can achieve together here at Marshall! Go Herd!”
During her collegiate playing career, McKinney established herself as one of the most accomplished athletes statistically in college softball history. She holds an impressive .451 career batting average for the Shockers, along with 378 hits, 48 doubles, 28 home runs, and a .647 slugging percentage. Notably, she is Wichita State’s all-time leader in batting average, hits, runs scored, and total bases. Her 378 hits also rank fifth all-time in NCAA DI history, and her 34-game hitting streak is the sixth-longest in NCAA Softball history.
McKinney’s skills have also earned her a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2022 Japan All-Star Series.
Image Credit: Wichita State Athletics.
