Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Merry first Tuesday of February, Seminoles.

We’ve got a big variety for you today and if you’ve got some time carved out, there’s an hour interview with Jameis Winston we’d highly recommend.

Here’s the docket:

• 🏊‍♂️ Academic Champions in the Pool: Discover how the FSU Swim & Dive teams have made a splash not just in competitions but also in the classroom, earning CSCAA Scholar All-America Honors.

• ⚽ New Coaching Strategies on the Field: Learn about Jonathan Bornstein, the new assistant coach bringing his extensive professional experience to the FSU Women's Soccer team.

• 🌿⚾ A Tribute to a Legend: Join us as we detail the upcoming memorial service for Mike Martin, celebrating the legacy of FSU's legendary baseball coach at Doak Campbell Stadium.

• 🏈 Winston's Walk Down Memory Lane: Jameis Winston shares lighthearted and insightful reflections on his time at FSU in a recent "Pardon My Take" interview.

• 🏟️ Renovation Remembrance: Get a glimpse into the Doak Campbell Stadium renovation and how fans can own a piece of Seminole history.

• 🏀 Court Challenges Ahead: Preview FSU Men's Basketball's upcoming road game against Boston College, as the Seminoles aim to bounce back from recent setbacks.

🏊‍♂️ FSU Swim & Dive Teams Earn CSCAA Scholar All-America Honors

The No.16/RV Florida State swimming and diving teams have been recognized for their academic excellence, securing spots on the CSCAA Fall 2023 Scholar All-America Team.

Achieving this distinction requires teams to maintain a GPA above 3.0, a feat both the women's (3.51 GPA) and men's (3.08 GPA) teams accomplished with distinction.

This recognition marks a continued tradition of academic achievement, with the women's team qualifying every semester since Spring 2015 and the men since Spring 2018.

Head Coach Neal Studd expressed pride in the teams' academic efforts, emphasizing the program's commitment to high academic standards.

Next up, the Seminoles look forward to competing at the Auburn First Chance Invite, showcasing their prowess in both academics and athletics.

⚽ FSU Women's Soccer Welcomes Jonathan Bornstein as Assistant Coach

Florida State women's soccer team is excited to announce Jonathan Bornstein as the new assistant coach, bringing a wealth of experience from his extensive professional playing career.

Head Coach Brian Pensky praised Bornstein's humility, work ethic, and successful playing career, emphasizing his perfect fit for the role given his eagerness to work with the team and his charismatic personality.

A Distinguished Career

Bornstein's journey to FSU is marked by notable achievements, including being named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2006, making back-to-back MLS All-Star appearances, and enjoying a successful stint in Mexico's LIGA MX with significant contributions to his teams' victories.

His international experience extends to playing in the Israeli Premier League and concluding his professional career in Honduras with CDS Vida.

International Impact

Beyond his club success, Bornstein has also made his mark on the international stage with the U.S. Men's National Team, contributing to the CONCACAF Gold Cup victory in 2007 and participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

🌿⚾ Memorial Service for Legendary Coach Mike Martin at FSU

Florida State University is set to honor the legacy of Mike Martin, the iconic baseball coach who left an indelible mark on the sport and the university, with a memorial service. The event will take place on Saturday, February 10, at 12:00 p.m. on Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium, celebrating 40 seasons of dedication, passion, and unparalleled success in college baseball.

Event Details:

• Parking: Free parking is available in the Flying High Circus and Doak Campbell Stadium lots. Note that parking in front of the Moore Athletic Center is unavailable due to construction.

• Entrance: Attendees can enter through the Haggard Plaza gate on the first-base side starting at 10:45 a.m. This will be the sole entrance for the memorial service.

• Seating: Guests are encouraged to be seated by 11:45 a.m. Seating in the grandstands is on a first-come, first-serve basis, with reserved areas for FSU baseball alumni, former coaches, staff, their families, and the 2024 baseball team.

• Attire: In line with Coach Martin's wishes, guests are asked to wear 'Seminole casual' attire, with no ties required.

• Additional Notes: The memorial service will not be streamed live, concessions will be closed, and guestbooks for signing will be available upon entry.

Remembering a Legend:

Mike Martin's passing on February 1, 2024, after battling Lewy body dementia, has left a void in the hearts of the FSU community and baseball fans worldwide. As the winningest coach in college baseball history, his contributions to FSU and the sport will be remembered and celebrated during this memorial service.

Looking Ahead:

Following the memorial, FSU will continue to celebrate its baseball heritage with Fan Day on Sunday, February 18, against Butler, including special activities for young fans and an autograph session with the team. Additionally, the FSU softball game scheduled for the same day as the memorial will now start at 1:00 p.m.

This memorial service offers the FSU community and fans an opportunity to pay tribute to Coach Martin's remarkable life and career, reflecting on the profound impact he had on countless individuals and the sport of baseball.

🏈 Jameis Winston Reflects on FSU Days in "Pardon My Take" Interview

Former Florida State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, Jameis Winston, shared insights and anecdotes from his collegiate days during a recent appearance on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take."

Winston's journey at FSU was marked by significant achievements and unique experiences, from his relationship with coach Jimbo Fisher to choosing FSU over other colleges.

The full interview starts at the 48:20 mark here.

Some of the highlights include:

Early Days with Jimbo Fisher: Winston praised Fisher's ambition and drive, recognizing a shared determination to win a championship. He admired Fisher's challenge of stepping into Bobby Bowden's shoes and making his own mark at FSU.

Choosing FSU Over Alabama: Hailing from Alabama, Winston faced backlash for committing to FSU, including vandalism and hate mail. Despite the pressure, his commitment to FSU was unwavering, driven by the opportunity to play both football and baseball.

FSU's Baseball Opportunity: A pivotal moment for Winston was FSU's openness to let him play baseball, a flexibility not offered by the Florida Gators. This dual-sport opportunity was a significant factor in his decision to attend FSU.

National Championship Victory: Winston recounted the satisfaction of beating Auburn for the national title, fulfilling his collegiate goal and proving the strength of FSU's program against SEC competition.

Relationship with Bo Jackson: Winston shared his interactions with childhood hero Bo Jackson, noting how their conversations motivated him further, especially leading up to the national championship game against Auburn.

Respect for Charlie Ward: He expressed admiration for fellow FSU Heisman winner Charlie Ward, highlighting Ward's unique achievement of winning the Heisman and being a first-round NBA draft pick, underscoring Ward's underrated legacy.

Winston's interview offers a lighthearted yet profound look back at his time at FSU, showcasing the challenges, decisions, and relationships that shaped his successful college career.

He is truly one of a kind.

🏟️ FSU's Doak Campbell Stadium Renovation: A Piece of History for Fans

During a recent Florida State Board of Trustees meeting, Chair Peter Collins presented his colleagues with a unique memento from the ongoing Doak Campbell Stadium renovation: rocks from the demolition site. This gesture highlighted the beginning of an ambitious 18-month project to overhaul the iconic stadium, blending nostalgia with the excitement of modernization.

A Piece of Seminole Legacy

The renovation, which started with the demolition of the West sideline bleachers, is not just a construction project but a reimagining of a space that holds decades of FSU football history. Fans will soon have the opportunity to own a piece of the original stadium, thanks to a collaboration with Steiner Sports, a subsidiary of Fanatics.

Memorabilia Opportunities

Florida State Athletics Director Michael Alford shared plans to offer a range of authentic stadium souvenirs, from bricks and metal bleachers to signs and chairs. The project, expected to exceed $250 million in costs, will allow fans to keep a tangible piece of FSU history, including unique items like drink coasters made from stadium remnants.

Looking Ahead

Despite the extensive renovations, the Seminoles are set to play all 2024 home games as scheduled, with adjusted seating capacities. The spring game on April 20 will also see limited seating, offering fans a glimpse into the future of Doak Campbell Stadium.

As the project progresses towards its August 2025 completion, FSU supporters can look forward to not only a revamped stadium experience but also the chance to preserve a piece of its storied past.

🏀 FSU Men's Basketball Faces Boston College on the Road

Florida State men's basketball is set to play against Boston College at Conte Forum this Tuesday at 7 p.m., marking their second consecutive road game. The Seminoles, standing at 12-9 overall and 6-4 in ACC play, are looking to bounce back from a two-game losing streak as they face the Eagles, who are on a two-game winning streak with a 13-8 overall record.

Game Details:

• Where to Watch: ACC Network

• Listen: Learfield IMG College Radio Network

Recent Performances: FSU is 1-3 in their last four games, seeking to regain momentum. Boston College, with a strong 8-3 home record, aims to continue their winning ways in ACC play.

Series History: FSU leads the series 13-9 but has faced challenges against BC in recent meetings, with the Eagles winning the last two encounters.

Key Players: FSU's lineup features Jamir Watkins(13.9 ppg) and Darin Green Jr. (12.2 ppg) as top scorers, while Boston College's Quinten Post (16.2 ppg) stands out as a major conference player with impressive averages.

Looking Ahead: After facing BC, FSU will return home to play Virginia on Saturday in their only meeting of the season.

This matchup promises to be a critical point in the season for both teams as they vie for positioning in the ACC standings.

And that’s a wrap!

We’ve celebrated academic achievements, welcomed new coaching talent, honored legendary figures, and rallied behind our teams.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the highs and lows, the memories, and the milestones that make Florida State University's athletic program truly special.

Until next time, keep cheering, stay inspired, and Go Noles!