🏹 December 18th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Year-End Hustle: Sports, Academics, and Transfers

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The Chief
December 18, 2024

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy humpday, Seminole!

Today’s edition brings a mix of highlights and big moves shaping FSU athletics.

Here’s what’s on deck:

🏀 Hardwood Dominance: Recap Florida State Basketball’s impressive victory over Winthrop, fueled by standout double-doubles.

🏐 Academic Excellence: Meet the four Seminole volleyball players earning prestigious Academic All-District honors.

🏊‍♂️ Making Waves: FSU divers head to Auburn for the year-ending Diving Invitational, with a packed schedule and national records in tow.

🏈 Portal Watch: Updates on key players entering and leaving FSU’s roster, including linebacker Shawn Murphy’s transfer and major additions like Gunnar Hansen and James Williams.

🎯 Big Offers: Keep an eye on offensive lineman Keagen Trost as FSU looks to secure another crucial transfer.

🌴🏖️Show Your Seminole Spirit In Style 🏖️🌴

Gear up for beach days with the FSU-Colored SunSail Shade—the best beach shade ever made!

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🏀 Florida State Rolls Over Winthrop in Tucker Center 🏀

Florida State cruised to an 82-64 win over Winthrop, thanks to double-doubles from Malique Ewin (21 points, 15 rebounds) and Taylor Bol Bowen (13 points, 13 rebounds). A 14-5 run late in the first half helped the Seminoles pull away, securing their ninth win of the season.

Game Highlights:

  • Jamir Watkins led all scorers with 23 points, hitting three 3-pointers and going 8-for-8 from the line.

  • Ewin dominated both ends with 10-of-15 shooting and seven offensive rebounds.

  • Bowen added two blocks and efficient scoring inside the paint.

FSU limited Winthrop to 29% shooting and won the rebounding battle 49-32. The Seminoles, now 9-3, face Louisville this Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Tucker Center.

🏐 Four Seminoles Earn Academic All-District Honors 🏐

Florida State Volleyball celebrated a significant academic achievement with four players named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team: Audrey Koenig, Loren Robertson, Iane Henke, and Emery Dupes. This recognition highlights the dedication of these athletes both on and off the court.

Key Highlights:

  • Audrey Koenig: A two-time Academic All-District honoree, Koenig led FSU with 399 kills and 50 aces this season. She also earned First Team All-ACC and AVCA All-Southeast Region honors.

  • Loren Robertson: In her single season with the Seminoles, Robertson made an impact with 625 assists, 16 aces, and 222 digs.

  • Iane Henke: A consistent presence in her first season, Henke tallied 143 kills and 74 blocks, showcasing her versatility.

  • Emery Dupes: Returning to Academic All-District honors, Dupes anchored the defense with 166 digs and added 15 aces from the libero position.

Eligibility Requirements: Athletes must maintain at least a 3.50 GPA, be sophomores or older academically, and play a significant role in matches to qualify. The recognition underscores both athletic and academic excellence.

🏊‍♂️ FSU Divers Set for Auburn Diving Invitational 🏊‍♂️

The Florida State diving team is ready to wrap up the year at the Auburn Diving Invitational from December 18-21 at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center in Auburn, Alabama. The four-day event will feature prelims and finals, with live coverage on SEC Network+ and updates on FSU’s social media.

Meet Highlights:

  • Schedule:

    • December 18-20: Events start at 11:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. CT.

    • December 21: Events start at 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT.

  • FSU Entries:

    • Wednesday: Two divers in men’s 1-meter.

    • Thursday: Five in women’s 1-meter and three in men’s 3-meter.

    • Friday: Five in women’s 3-meter and three in men’s platform.

    • Saturday: Two in women’s platform.

  • Competition Field: Includes 51 divers from Auburn, Tennessee, Utah, George Washington, and Florida State.

National Highlights:

  • Junior Max Wilson broke two national records for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • Senior Gloria Muzito set a national record for Uganda at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.

What’s Next: The Seminoles will kick off 2025 competition against Villanova on January 8 at Morcom Aquatics Center.

🏈 Linebacker Shawn Murphy Enters Transfer Portal 🏈

Florida State linebacker Shawn Murphy has announced his entry into the transfer portal after one season with the Seminoles.

Murphy’s Journey:

  • Transferred to FSU from Alabama, where he played 18 games before joining the Seminoles.

  • Debuted for FSU against North Carolina after missing the first eight games of the season.

Season Highlights:

  • Appeared in four games, tallying 13 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery.

  • Ranked third on the team with five tackles during FSU’s game against Florida.

Recruiting Profile:

  • Rated as a four-star transfer and ranked No. 91 overall in the 247Sports transfer rankings.

🏈 Florida State Lands Four-Star DL Transfer James Williams 🏈

Florida State has secured a commitment from four-star Nebraska defensive line transfer James Williams, who announced his decision on social media.

Williams’ Journey:

  • Originally discovered by Nebraska staff while at Iowa Central Community College, earning a preferred walk-on offer after an impressive camp performance in 2023.

  • Played every game for Nebraska in 2024, earning the nickname "Sack Man" for his pass-rushing prowess.

2024 Season Highlights:

  • Recorded 14 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks.

  • Known for his ability to disrupt offenses with his size and speed.

Recruiting Profile:

  • Ranked No. 17 overall and No. 3 edge rusher in the Transfer Portal by 247Sports, with a four-star, '92' grade.

  • Stands 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, with two years of eligibility remaining.

🏈 Florida State Lands Vanderbilt OT Transfer Gunnar Hansen 🏈

Florida State has added Gunnar Hansen, a seasoned offensive tackle from Vanderbilt, to its roster. Hansen announced his commitment after concluding his visit to Tallahassee.

Hansen’s Journey:

  • The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman chose FSU over offers from Oregon, Colorado, Michigan, and Kentucky.

  • Played high school football at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before committing to Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt Career Highlights:

  • Accumulated 2,122 snaps during his three-year career.

  • Started at both left and right tackle during the 2024 season.

Performance in 2024:

  • Offense Grade: 56.1

  • Pass Blocking Grade: 60.1

  • Run Blocking Grade: 58.1 (Pro Football Focus)

Recruiting Profile:

  • Ranked as a three-star transfer prospect by 247Sports.

  • Rated as the No. 194 player and No. 13 offensive tackle in the Transfer Portal.

Why FSU?

New FSU offensive line coach Herb Hand played a pivotal role in Hansen’s decision to join the Seminoles.

🏈 Former FSU QB Luke Kromenhoek Transfers to Mississippi State 🏈

Former Florida State quarterback Luke Kromenhoek has committed to Mississippi State through the NCAA transfer portal, adding depth to the Bulldogs’ roster for the 2025 season.

Kromenhoek’s Journey:

  • Transferred after one season at Florida State, where he signed as a four-star prospect ranked as the No. 4 quarterback nationally by 247Sports.

  • Debuted midway through the season, starting against Charleston Southern with a standout performance of 209 yards and three touchdowns.

  • Finished the season with 502 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, along with 113 rushing yards.

Why Mississippi State?

Kromenhoek reunites with coach Jeff Lebby, who previously recruited him while at Oklahoma. Mississippi State’s quarterback room now includes Kromenhoek alongside Baylor transfer Blake Shapen and elite 2025 prospect Kamario Taylor.

🏈 FSU Offers Wake Forest OT Transfer Keagen Trost 🏈

Florida State has extended an offer to Keagen Trost, an experienced offensive tackle transferring from Wake Forest. Trost entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on Monday and has quickly garnered interest from multiple programs.

Trost’s Journey:

  • The 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman is a redshirt junior with one year of eligibility remaining.

  • Played 766 snaps in 2024, primarily at right tackle (662 snaps) but also saw over 100 snaps at left tackle.

Career Highlights:

  • Appeared in all 12 games for Wake Forest in 2024, starting 11 of them.

  • Spent three seasons (2020-2023) at Indiana State, where he appeared in 22 games with 12 starts.

  • Began his collegiate career at Morgan State in 2019, playing in four games with two starts.

Recruiting Profile:

  • Originally from Kankakee, Illinois.

  • Has reported offers from Arizona, Cal, Kansas, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Pitt, Stanford, and Virginia since entering the portal.

What’s Next?

Trost is set to visit Nebraska on Wednesday, followed by Mississippi State on Thursday.

And that’s a wrap!

From the hardwood to the transfer portal, it’s clear the Seminoles are making moves both on and off the field. As we close out the year, the energy and determination of FSU athletics remain stronger than ever.

Let’s keep that momentum rolling into 2025. Whether it’s cheering on the divers in Auburn, celebrating academic excellence, or welcoming new talent to the team, the Garnet and Gold pride shines bright.

Until next time, keep the spirit high and Go Noles! 🍢

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