ADVERTISEMENT

Football Recruiting Recruiting updates: Max Buchanan, Ziyare Addison, Naeshaun Montgomery

Two of Florida State's top offensive line prospects, Max Buchanan and Ziyare Addison, have already begun to take official visits. Buchanan visited Ole Miss at the end of April and Addison headed out west to visit UCLA this past weekend. Both prospects indicated that they enjoyed their trips immensely and left impressed by both programs.

Addison said that the visit with the Bruins had indeed change the pecking order of how he ranks the programs he will be taking official visits with. He said the vision and culture that first-year HC Deshaun Foster is creating are what stood out most to him. Addison still has visit to Florida (May 31), Oregon (June 7), Penn State (June 14) and Florida State (June 21).

A couple of things to consider here. It was his first official visit, and he was always going to leave impressed, UCLA has a beautiful campus and some new energy around the program with a new head coach. Secondly, some guys take trips just to take trips even when they know where they are going. I didn't get the sense that was the case with Addison and UCLA. Clearly the fact that the visit has changed his pecking order is indication that UCLA is getting serious consideration from Addison. The newness of the visit will have a lingering effect because he doesn't take another visit for two weeks. But UCLA has set the bar, for now, from an OV perspective with Addison. Still think it will be hard to get him out of the Sunshine State though.

Buchanan had a similar experience at Ole Miss. He said his visit to Oxford was "amazing, loved everything about it" and when asked if it changed his pecking order, he said that it "definitely" had and that while the visit to Ole Miss had not help him rule out any of the other five schools he will visit, it had improved the Rebels stock with him. Buchanan still has visits left with UCF (May 17), Clemson (May 31), FSU (June 7), Miami (June 14) and Penn State (June 21).

I still think FSU is in a really good spot with Buchanan think that the recruiting process has been an eye-opening experience for him, and he is probably more open to leaving the state of Florida than I thought he was two months ago when I thought he was a lock to become a Seminole in December. Again, this was his first OV, and the newness will wear off and he continues to go through the process but for now the Rebels are trending up with Buchanan for now.

FSU seems to be in a holding pattern with wide receiver prospect Naeshaun Montgomery. He told me yesterday that he has not set an official visit date with the Seminoles and that if he does make a trip to Tallahassee that his official visit will likely come during the season in the fall.

Running back prospect Shawn Simeon also indicated that as of right now, if he makes a trip to FSU for an official visit, he will do so during the season.

Football Recruiting FSU targets on Official Visits to other schools this weekend

Florida State isn't expected to have any prospects on official visits this weekend but several of their top targets who are expected to on-campus for OV's with the Seminoles later this summer will be visiting other schools this weekend.

OL-Ziyare Addison-Georgia

OL-Max Buchanan-UCF

RB-Ousmane Kromah-Auburn

LB-Zaydarius Rainey-Sale-UCLA

We will try to have updates on these visits early next week.

Baseball Live Updates: FSU vs. Georgia Tech (Game 1, Thursday at 7 p.m.)

The final weekend of the 2024 college baseball regular season has arrived.

For No. 10 Florida State (37-13, 15-11 in ACC), there's quite an opportunity on the line this weekend when the Seminoles host visiting Georgia Tech (30-19, 14-13) at Dick Howser Stadium for a three-game series beginning Thursday at 7 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

Considering FSU's stadium took some pretty serious damage due to a tornado less than a week ago, it is in good shape for this series with a 10-foot fence extension in right field instead of the normal 20-foot fence that was bent backwards in the storm.

Login to view embedded media
FSU enters the final regular-season weekend firmly on the bubble to be a top-eight national seed which would allow FSU's entire path to the College World Series to go through Howser. FSU also enters the GT series tied for third in the ACC standings with a bunch of team nipping at the Seminoles' heels. A series win this weekend vs. the Yellow Jackets would go a long way towards FSU securing a national seed and a top-four finish in the ACC that would aid their cause in next week's ACC Tournament in Charlotte.

GT enters the series with an impressive offensive approach helmed by assistant coach and former FSU baseball standout James Ramsey. In ACC games this season, the Yellow Jackets are second among conference teams in batting average (.308) and lead the league in on-base percentage (.408). GT also has 85 home runs this season led by national freshman of the year contender Drew Burress who has 21 homers and a team-high .376 batting average.

On the mound, though, Georgia Tech has a 6.15 ERA this season (11th out of 14 ACC teams). They've allowed 75 home runs, tied for second most among ACC teams.

In Thursday's series opener, FSU will turn to sophomore ace Jamie Arnold (8-3, 2.27 ERA) against junior righty Aeden Finateri (5-2, 5.89 ERA). In his last two starts, Finateri has allowed 13 earned runs over 5.1 innings against Clemson and Duke.

In some good news for FSU, Jaime Ferrer is back in the lineup tonight after missing the last two games due to a lingering wrist injury. He'll play left field and bat fifth.

FSU starting lineup


cf
18 Max WilliamsL.307
23b24 Cam SmithR.389
3rf22 James Tibbs IIIL.387
4dh43 Marco DingesR.305
5lf7 Jaime FerrerR.305
61b32 Daniel CantuL.318
7ss1 Alex LodiseR.277
8c20 Jaxson WestL.281
92b3 Drew FaurotB.280

GT starting lineup

SpotPos# PlayerBatsAvg
1lf18 Trey YungerR.354
2cf8 Drew BurressR.376
3dh55 Matthew EllisL.309
41b40 John GieslerR.297
5ss9 Payton GreenR.326
6rf2 Cam JonesR.335
72b0 Mike BecchettiR.304
83b6 Carson KerceR.288
9c25 Vahn LackeyR.200

I'll have updates from Howser once things get underway just after 7 p.m.
  • Like
Reactions: NoleLizards

Baseball Clutch hits lift No. 10 FSU to series-opening win vs. Georgia Tech

FSU came through in the clutch on the mound and at the plate tonight, securing an 8-3 win over Georgia Tech in the series opener at Howser.

Doubleheader to close out the series begins tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Soccer FSU signs first-team All-WCC performer Giana Riley

FSU sports information:

The Florida State women's soccer program and coach Brian Pensky added another key piece to their 2024 roster with a notable transfer signing in Giana Riley. The former Gonzaga Bulldog will be coming to Florida State with two years of eligibility remaining.

The forward out of Manteca, California, was a First Team All-West Region and All-WCC First Team performer as a sophomore last season and started in 18 games for the Bulldogs. Riley led the team with 12 goals and 30 points on the year and ended last season with career highs in shots (55), shots on goal (30) and assists (6). Riley showcased an impressive shot on a goal percentage throughout the season at 54.5%. Last season, Riley recorded her first collegiate hat trick against Pepperdine to help the Bulldogs to their first-ever WCC Championship. Riley also recorded three other multi-goal games and helped the Bulldogs to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

As a freshman in 2022, Riley was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team as she started in 13 games and appeared in all 18 of them scoring five goals, while also accounting for four assists.

Riley has also been a staple with the U.S. U-20 Youth National Team, having attended every training camp in 2024, including trips to Colombia and Germany. Like five of her future Nole teammates, Riley is seeking a spot on 2024 U.S. U-20 World Cup Team.

Riley attended John C. Kimball High School where she was named Varsity Defensive Player of the Year during her freshman year and was named the Varsity Captain during her sophomore and junior years. Riley was also named a Scholar-Athlete her freshman, sophomore and junior years. Outside of soccer, Riley ran track and also participated in three years of basketball.

Miami Central, Northwestern -Prospects ADDED 5-17-2024

Went by both schools yesterday. Teddy Bridgewater is retired from the NFL and is now the head coach at Northwestern. I have known Teddy since he was in high school. What a great person. You would never know he played in the NFL.

His roster is much improved. I expect them to be much better in his year. You can tell the players respect him. WR Calvin Russel -(2026) Antonio Branch CB who transferred form Booker T and fsu offered. They happen to be two of their best prospects. Miami Central is also loaded. Once I get the chance - I will break down both programs and their top prospects. I am heading over to cypress bay for their spring game.

Under the radar prospect / Kendrick Smith- avante Garde -2026 - LB he is probably 6'1 190 pounds. He is visiting FSU soon to work out. He looked good the day I went out to practice.

Miami Northwestern

DB-Antonio Branch - CB-6'2-170 (2025)
Branch has been offered by FSU. We have talked about the type of DB FSU is now offering. There is something in common with each one. They are all tall and long. Branch has the size to match up against a tight end if needed. He has good coverage skills. Many taller corners are stiff. That is not the case with Branch. He has some fludity to his game. He has four visits set up so far and not one to FSU. I would not be surprised if he came to FSU summer camp and worked out.

CB-Tywan Cox - 5'11-170 (2025) Cox is a track kid. He also comes from a footbal family. Torrie Cox played at University of Pittsburgh. He also attended Northwestern. He played in the NFL with the Bucs. Tywan is one of the better slot corners down in South Florida. He has the speed and quickness to match up against faster receivers. He has pretty good technique. He gets beat, Cox will try and come back the next play and beat you. Has some Power 4 offers.

WR-Calvin Russell-6'5-185-(2026) Russell is listed a five star WR on some sites. He has great size and can run. He has a little Kelvin Benjamin to his game. His size causes major problems for opposing defenses. He is someone that you can't just line up any defensive back against. He has pretty good hands. He plays with good body control. Put the ball up and Russell will come down with it. FSU has offered and stis in a solid spot with him right now.

LB-Desmond Johnson-6'1-190 (2026) FSU was one of his first offers. Johnson displays speed on film. He will fly around the field and make plays. He has a tendency to run around blocks. This is just what modern backers do in high school. Like to see him head downhill and shoot through the line of scrimmage to make plays. He can get out into the flats and cover. He cna also play in coverage. He has some tools but will need to improve certain parts of his game.

Miami Central

DT-Floyd Boucard-6'3-280 (2025)
Big fan of Floyd. Big, physical and plays with a bit of a mean streak. He is violent with his hands. You wand defensive lineman that can move people. That is what Floyd can do. He has a quick first step off the ball. He can bull rush a defender. He performed very well at UA where the OL were ok. When he went against Buchanan at the Rivals camp he did not get as many wins. Love his mentality and think he will be very good in college. FSU offered and is trying to get him on campus.

LB-Ezekiel Marcelin-6'0-200 (2025) Another player I really like. Looks like Kalen Deloach. Not the best body kid coming out of hs. That being said turn on Central film and you see him flash all over the field. He is physical in the run game. He is athletic enough to drop into coverage. Not the ideal size but Marcelin is a football player. Not every kid needs elite measurables.

WR-Naeshuan Montgomery -6'1-170(2025) Moved over from Cardinal Newman. He is on a run heavy football team. I still expect him to have a pretty good season. Montgomery runs good routes. He has pretty good hands. He can get separation. FSU has offered and showed some interest. We would like to know where he is on the receiver board. There are other guys higher up the list but Montgomery could move up the list if he goes to FSU camp and perfoms well.

DB-Amari Wallace-6'0-170 (2025) Wallace has some size. He is not real long for a defensive back. He has good (4.5) type speed but not elite. He is someone that has solid technique. Good player but I feel like FSU has better options. He would be in the 2nd tier of corners/safeties on their board.

DL-Randy Adirika - 6'4-265 (2025) Productive player in high school. Is he a defensive end? Is he an interior lineman? It will be interested to see if he shows up at camp. Good player but not one with great upside in my honest opinion. I also feel you take as many DL that want to come. Floyd is a definite take while Randy is a kid you take but will need to be developed.

S-Seko Smith -6'1-170 (2025) Smith has tools you will like. He has the size and length you want in a corner. He has some speed. He is someone that seems to have good ball skills. He will sit back and watch a quarterbacks eyes and react. He has the range to play on the back end. FSU has yet to offer but we could see them doing so at some point.

DB/LB-Karon Maycock-6'0-190 (2026) One of my favorite players this season. He performed very well at the Rivals camp. Listed as a safety but could see him grow into a linebacker. PHYSICALLY IMPRESSIVE LOOKING. He has good size and length. He can run. He showes physicality in games and practice. He seems to really like football. FSU has offered and I see him being a priority when all is said and done.

IMG_9181.JPG

LB-Steven Moore-6'0-215 (2028) Would not usually put a freshman up but this kid is that good. Jerry likes linebackers. Here si a kid that you watch. He had 22 tackles in a playoff game last year. He can play off the edge. You will see him play linebacker inside. He moves around the field and eats up ball carriers. You will see him shoot the gaps on run plays. He is not afraid to take on blocks. I expect him to be one of the top backers in his class.

Avante Garde

LB-Kendrick Smith -6'1-200-(2026)
Kendrick is heading to Tallahassee in the next week or so. I expect him to work out for the coaches. He looks the part. Avante Garde is new to football but it shows there is still talent out there from programs outside the big ones. Smith has all the tools to be a very good player at the next level. It will be interesting to see what he does once he works out for the FSU coaches.

Football Recruiting Recruiting Trail: Who are FSU coaches visiting during the April/May NCAA Contact Period (Live Thread)

The Osceola will update which 2025 and 2026 prospects the FSU coaching staff is visiting during the NCAA Contact Period which started on April 15th and will end on May 25th.

FSU QB Coach Tony Tokarz is in California visiting 2026 QB Brady Smigel today.

Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
The rising junior took a multi-day UOV to FSU earlier this spring.

Videos Spring Video: LB Riley Pettijohn, OT Ty Haywood, DE Javion Hilson, WR CJ Wiley, OG Henry Feneku & other prospects just offered by FSU for 25 and 26

I thought I would post some practice videos that some of the guys from Rivals and other sources are posting on social media of Florida State prospects practicing this spring and or at various camps around the country.

I will start with 2025 WR CJ Wiley who will take an official visit to FSU later this summer.

Login to view embedded media

Baseball Mock draft: James Tibbs III, Cam Smith viewed as top-20 picks

James Tibbs at No. 12 to Boston and Cam Smith at No. 17 to Milwaukee in a mock draft by the Athletic's Keith Law, who worked in the Blue Jays front office before becoming a baseball analyst.

"Tibbs has probably been the biggest riser among college players this year, as he’s had more homers than strikeouts for Florida State and model-heavy teams seem to love him. Also, shame on everyone if we don’t nickname him King Tibbs III."

Not much specifics on Smith other than the Brewers have drafted college players in the first round with frequency of late. "Smith fits their typical profile."

  • Like
Reactions: WoodsideNole

Golf FSU men take second in Stanford Regional, advance to NCAA Championships

FSU sports information:

The Florida State Men’s Golf team finished its impressive stay at the NCAA Stanford Regional by shooting 28-under (267-267-278) and placing second overall, advancing to its fourth consecutive NCAA Championships.

This year’s NCAA Championships marks its first hosted at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. It will be held May 24-29.

Florida State’s 28-under score vs. par ties for its second-lowest in postseason history over three rounds played.

Senior Frederik Kjettrup nearly completed consecutive postseason wins after earning co-medalist honors at last month’s ACC Championships. He shot 11-under (67-65-67) to finish one shot off the lead, with three birdies and an eagle highlighting his superb final round.

Sophomore Luke Clanton (65-66-69) tied for fifth at 10-under, joining Kjettrup among seven golfers whom recorded each round in the 60s while out at Stanford Golf Course. Clanton added four birdies on his day.

Redshirt senior Cole Anderson (66-67-72) tied for 10th at 5-under, finishing a strong performance that was extended from his previous play at the ACC Championships when he won both his matches vs. Georgia Tech and North Carolina.

Senior Gray Albright (70-69-72) tied for 34th at 1-over and fellow senior Brett Roberts (69-73-70) went 2-over to tie for 36th.

Football Recruiting SE spotlight: Could Javion Hilson be a five-star?

From Rivals analyst John Garcia:

The post-spring rankings update is getting large on the horizon. Plenty of new information has come to light during the spring camp season and soon the rankings will be updated to reflect the national analyst team’s latest projections for the 2025 and 2026 classes.

This week the national analyst team will examine their biggest questions heading into the upcoming rankings meetings. Next up is the Southeast region.

  • Like
Reactions: Jeperr6564

Wowzers! Big donation more than doubles FAMU endowment

and is likely the largest ever to an HBCU. $237 million
He is not Florida man, but steps up big with hemp money. Florida Ag & Mechanical, with Ag given as part of the reasoning…

What will the money be used for?​

About $100 million will go toward FAMU Athletics and will be used for initiatives including student-athlete endowment funds and a $24 million Galimore-Powell Athletic Fieldhouse project, which will expand the space to have club-level suites for corporate partnership meetings.


“This is really a monument when you think about the impact it will have on FAMU Athletics,” FAMU Vice President and Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes said Saturday.

The $237 million donation will also help FAMU in providing student scholarships while also recruiting top students and faculty.

In addition to the university’s leadership team, FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper was also present at the news conference, where she held back tears as she pondered on the difference the financial gift will make in the lives of thousands of students.

“This is transformative, and it’s almost unbelievable. I have to pinch myself just hearing about this and thinking about how it will help the students FAMU serves,” Harper said.

Sports Business ACC commissioner Jim Phillips on suit with FSU, Clemson, success initiatives

Some select quotes from Jim Phillips on the lawsuits with FSU and Clemson, thoughts on success initiatives and others from his press conference with the media to wrap up the ACC's spring meetings:

Baseball Lots on the line for FSU as it closes the regular season vs. Georgia Tech

Entering the final weekend of the regular season, the FSU baseball team is firmly on the national seed bubble and currently in the top four of the crowded ACC standings.

There's a lot on the line for the Seminoles this weekend vs. Georgia Tech beginning Thursday night at 7 p.m.

  • Like
Reactions: WoodsideNole

Softball Osceola Video: Lonni Alameda, FSU players preview Tallahassee Regional

Before the Tallahassee Regional gets underway Friday, we talked with Lonni Alameda, Kaley Mudge and Ashtyn Danley today about the teams headed to FSU and much more.

We'll have a preview story tomorrow for those who prefer written copy.

  • Like
Reactions: NoleLizards

My wife fell Friday evening.

Friday evening we were at our son’s senior night for his baseball team. My wife was walking down a hill to get to the field and she slipped and broke her tibia and fibula. Luckily, we had finished the ceremony part but we had to miss the game. She was transported to the hospital where she was admitted and was hospitalized for two nights. She had to get a titanium rod and 4 pins placed in her leg. She’s at home now and recovering. She’s expecting to miss 8 weeks of work. I started a go fund me for her. I would never ask anyone to donate money to us but if you could share just once on your social media. I don’t do social media out side of this place. Thank you for your help.

Golf Amy Bond a finalist for Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year award

FSU sports information:

Amy Bond, who will lead the nationally ranked Florida State Women’s Golf team into the NCAA Division I Championship Finals beginning Friday for the school-record eighth consecutive year, has been named as a finalist for the 2023-24 Division I Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year Presented by Golf Pride Watch List. It marks the fourth consecutive year Bond has been named as a finalist for the WGCA National Coach of the Year Award.

Bond is a National Coach of the Year finalist for the fourth consecutive year. She is one of just six coaches who have been named to the National Coach of the Year watch list in each of the last four seasons.

Bond, the winningest women’s golf coach in school history, is in her 14th season as the head coach at Florida State. She has won 20 tournament championships, coached two Olympians, three ACC Golfers of the Year, 26 All-ACC selections and 17 All-Americans during her tenure at Florida State.

“It’s great to be recognized by your peers for this award,” said Bond. “I credit our players and our assistant coaches at Florida State for building our program into an annual national championship contender. We are looking forward to a great week here at nationals.”

Bond and her Seminoles enter championship week with three of the best national finishes in school history in the last three seasons: Ninth in 2021, fifth in 2022, and fifth in 2023. The three consecutive top finishes mark the first three times the Seminoles have finished inside the top 10 in the final standings at the NCAA Championship Finals. Under Bond, the Seminoles are one of only three schools in the nation (Florida State, Stanford, and Texas A&M) that have advanced to match play at the NCAA Championship finals in both of the last two years.

The Seminoles are one of only four teams in the nation that has played in each of the last eight NCAA Championship Finals. The Seminoles are joined by Southern California, Stanford, and Texas in an elite group of programs that have played during the final week of the season in each NCAA Championship since 2016.

Bond led the Seminoles to the team championship at the IJGA Country Club Collegiate in February to five top-five team finishes this spring. The Seminoles finished in fifth place at the NCAA Las Vegas Regional Championship to advance to the NCAA Division I Championship Finals. Under Bond’s tutelage, the Seminoles have finished in the top-five in each of their last eight regional championships including regional championships at Louisville in 2021 and at Tallahassee in 2022.

Division I Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year Presented by Golf Pride Watch List

Amy Bond, Florida State University

Greg Allen, Vanderbilt University

Kalen Anderson, University of South Carolina

Dan Brooks, Duke University

Gerrod Chadwell, Texas A&M University

Dana Dormann, San Jose State University

Charlie Ewing, Mississippi State University

Missy Farr-Kaye, Arizona State University

Emily Fletcher, Northwestern University

Laurie Gibbs, Pepperdine University

Kory Henkes, University of Mississippi

Kelley Hester, Clemson University

Kim Lewellen, Wake Forest University

Melissa Luellen, Auburn University

Lauren Mason, Southern Methodist University

Ryan Murphy, University of Texas

Aimee Neff, University of North Carolina

Derek Radley, University of Oregon

Garrett Runion, Louisiana State University

Ria Scott, University of Virginia

Justin Silverstein, University of Southern California

Shauna Taylor, University of Arkansas

Alicia Um Holmes, UCLA

Anne Walker, Stanford University
  • Like
Reactions: NoleLizards

Golf FSU's Lottie Woad a finalist for Division I PING WGCA Player of the Year

FSU sports information:

Lottie Woad, the 2024 ACC Golfer of the Year, has been named as one of five finalists for the 2023-24 Division I PING Women’s Golf Coaches Association Player Year Award. Woad won the championship at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament in April of 2024, finished in third place at the 2024 NCAA Las Vegas Regional Championship, and will lead the Seminoles into the 2024 NCAA Championships beginning Friday.

Woad is joined by Zoe Antoinette Campos (UCLA), Ingrid Lindblad (LSU), Julia Lopez Ramirez (Mississippi State) and Catherine Park (Southern Cal) on the WGCA Player of the Year finalist list.

Woad enters the 2024 NCAA Championship Finals in Carlsbad, Calif., (May 17-22) averaging 70.10 strokes in 21 rounds during seven events – the lowest single-year scoring average in school history. She led Florida State to the team championship at the Collegiate Invitational in Guadalajara and to five top-five team finishes this year. Individually, she finished in a tie for 2nd place in the individual standings at the Collegiate Invitational and tied for 2nd place finish in the Florida State Match-Up.

Woad is second in school history with a career stroke average of 70.68 in 53 rounds during 18 career events. She has three career collegiate wins on her resume, has 15 top 10 finishes in her 18 career tournaments, and is a cumulative total of 55 strokes under par for her entire Florida State career.

Woad was recently named as one of 10 finalists for the 2024 ANNIKA Award.

Woad was an All-American First-Team by the WGCA and All-American Second-Team by Golfweek in 2023. She was selected as the National Freshman of the Year by the WGCA and was an All-ACC selection as a freshman in 2023 and as a sophomore in 2024.

“We are all very proud of Lottie,” FSU coach Amy Bond said. “She has had a great year, has been consistent with her play in each of our events, and is a vital part of our success. Lottie makes her teammates better, just as her teammates make her better every day.”

Woad played in the Chevron Championship – her first LPGA Major Tournament – in April of 2024. She finished in a tie for 23rd place.

The Seminoles, who begin play in their school record eighth consecutive NCAA Championship Finals event on Friday, are one of only four teams in the nation that have qualified to play in each of the last eight NCAA Championship Finals. The Seminoles are joined by Southern Cal, Stanford , and Texas in an elite group of programs that have played during the final week of the season in each NCAA Championship since 2016.

2023-24 NCAA Division I PING Player of the Year Finalists

Lottie Woad, So., Florida State
Zoe Antoinette Campos, Jr., UCLA
Ingrid Lindblad, Gr., LSU
Julia Lopez Ramirez, Jr., Mississippi State
Catherine Park, So., Southern Cal

Softball Jasyoni Beachum among 10 finalists for USA Softball National Player of the Year

FSU sports information:

The awards keep on coming for Florida State freshman phenom Jasyoni Beachum as she was named a Top 10 Finalist for the USA Softball National Player of the Year award. Beachum is the first Seminole to be named a Top 10 Finalist since Jessi Warren and Jessica Burroughs in 2017. Beachum is also the first true freshman in school history to be named a finalist for the award.

Beachum is looking to join Jessica van der Linden and Lacey Waldrop as the only two Seminoles to win the award, and Beachum has made a great case to do so. Beachum has put together one of the greatest offensive seasons in school history in her first year of collegiate play. Beachum is hitting .436 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI. Beachum is on pace to break the school record for batting average (.430) and currently has the fifth-most RBI in a single season with 64. Beachum is one of just four players in Florida State history to hit 15+ home runs and record 60 or more RBI. The ACC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-ACC performer has already broken the freshman school record for RBI in a single season and is well on her way to break the freshman record for batting average, slugging percentage and on base percentage. Beachum needs just 13 more hits to break the freshman record for most hits in a single season and needs just five home runs to break Jessi Warren's freshman home run record.

Beachum has also locked down the hot corner for the Seminoles and has continued Florida State's tradition of great play at third base. Beachum has started 56 games at third base and has made just five errors on 149 attempts for a .968 fielding percentage. Beachum is the only player on Florida State's roster to have started every single game this season. Beachum leads the team in hits, home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, total bases, walks and assists. Beachum has been one of the toughest players in the country to strike out, striking out just 11 times in 172 at-bats. She has also drawn a team-high 31 walks and has been hit by five pitches.

The top three finalists will be announced on Monday and those finalists will be invited to Oklahoma City on May 28 when the winner will be announced prior to the Women's College World Series.

Top 10 Finalists for USA Softball National Player of the Year

Reese Atwood, Texas
Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State
Maya Brady, UCLA
NiJaree Canady, Stanford
Claire Davidson, Duke
Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
Lexi Kilfoyl, Oklahoma State
Korbe Otis, Florida
Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee
Karli Spaid, Miami-OH
  • Like
Reactions: dmitch32309

Basketball A few hoops notes (May 14)

We caught up with FSU coach Leonard Hamilton at the ACC spring meetings. A few quick notes:

Hamilton said Waka Mbatch will return to FSU for a second season. He only played five minutes or so in 2023-24. Very raw but athletic player. When he mentioned the three returning players (after I asked about only two returning) he mentioned Waka's return.

FSU has added some transfers, including the nation's top juco player. He also hinted there is another signee from the portal (a big man) FSU has not announced.

"I'm very proud of our staff because we I think we have improved our depth, our size," Hamilton said. "I think we’ve improved our perimeter shooting tremendously."

When I inquired if he felt Watkins was going on to the NBA, Hamilton said it was too early to tell with the NBA scouting combine in progress. "I think they started today, measurements and stuff like that. A lot depends on how well he plays. … You've had a lot of players go and do well with the combines and elevate their status. You wish them well but from my standpoint, you just have to try to be as prepared as you can one way or the other. But that’s one of the positive things of the portal. You’re going to have some guys still available that we’re talking to."

He said much of the meetings were spent on scheduling. The ACC has only had five schools in the field of 68 each of the last two years. NC State reached the Final Four this spring, for example, as a lower seed. "The number of teams that we've gotten in NCAA Tournament does not reflect how successful we've been once we get into the tournament," Hamilton said.
  • Like
Reactions: SERecruit
ADVERTISEMENT

Filter

ADVERTISEMENT