Rooney excited to join Wichita State softball program

Mackenzie Rooney has always had love for softball and the sport has treated her well.

The Louisburg High School senior has played competitively since an early age and she has spent years trying to perfect her craft. 

As much hard work as that was, finding a new home to continue that passion was a difficult one at times. Playing college softball has always been a dream and she needed to find the right fit.

She found that place at Wichita State.

Rooney made it official back in November as she signed her letter of intent to join the Shocker program next season and is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“It meant so much to me to sign to play at Wichita State,” Rooney said. “All my hard work finally paid off. I was never really focused on going Division I, I just knew I wanted to play in college, and when the opportunity came I was surely going to take it.

“I always wanted to go close to home and WSU is a perfect distance for me. I loved the campus, atmosphere, and the softball program everyone was very welcoming.”

Rooney had different options to choose from, and for some, the process of choosing a school can be a difficult and stressful situation. It was anything but for Rooney.

“Honestly the recruiting process was more fun than stressful I think,” she said. “I loved the visits I went on and it was a great experience seeing the difference in each campus. It was not a hard decision at all picking WSU as it just felt like home. Wichita State is getting many new upgrades to their facilities as that is also what helped me make my decision.”

Softball has been year-round experience for Rooney, as when she not playing, she is putting in work in the winter months improving her craft.

Rooney plays centerfield for her club team, Select Fastpitch, and has thrived with the program as they travel all over the country in the summer months.

“I’ve played softball my whole life, it’s basically all I know,” Rooney said. “Practice almost everyday, tournaments every weekend, and traveling the country playing in new places each weekend has been fun. Preparing to be a college athlete is a lot of work behind the scenes that no one else sees, but I think it is worth it.”

Rooney played with the Wildcat softball team her freshman season as she was a dual-sport athlete with track. She did track as a sophomore and also earned a state medal.

However, her focus is now preparing herself to join a Wichita State program that ended 2024 in the American Athletic Conference Championship game.

“Some expectations I have for myself is playing my role on the team, whether it’s playing in the outfield, pinch hitting, or even just base running my freshman year,” Rooney said. “Of course I am going to work my butt off to try to get a starting spot my freshman year, which I think I can do. My coaches see me playing outfield and being a key base runner for them because of my speed. I am just super excited to meet new friends and do what I love.”