Welcome to The Chief Brief!

There is a ton going away it seems lately, Seminoles.

We’re doing our best to keep these concise and informative for you but would love any feedback you have.

If you have any thoughts at all, reply to this email and let us know what’s up.

As for today, here's what we've got lined up for you:

🏀 Season-Defining Stretch for FSU Women's Hoops: Discover how the Seminoles are gearing up for a crucial seven-game journey to close the regular season.

🥎 FSU Softball Swings into Season: Get the scoop on the No. 4 ranked Seminoles as they launch their 41st fastpitch season at the JoAnne Graf Classic.

🏌️‍♂️ Seminoles Tee Off in Hawaii: Learn about the FSU Men's Golf team's spring season opener at the prestigious Amer Ari Invitational.

🏃‍♂️ Track and Field's Final Regular Season Meets: Find out where the No. 12/NR FSU indoor track and field teams will compete in their split-squad weekend.

⚽ FSU Alums in USWNT Gold Cup Roster: Read about Jenna Nighswonger and Casey Krueger's selection for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.

🏈 New PWO Talent on National Signing Day: Meet the promising athletes joining FSU's roster as preferred walk-ons.

🏈 FSU Leads for Former Alabama OL Commit: Dontrell Glover, a top interior lineman, names FSU as his new leader after an impactful visit.

🏈 FSU's Legal Battle with the ACC: Dive into the details of FSU's motion to dismiss the ACC's lawsuit in a North Carolina court.

🏀 Seminoles Set for Season-Defining Stretch

Crucial Seven Ahead for FSU Women's Hoops
The Florida State Women's Basketball team embarks on a pivotal seven-game journey to close the regular season, starting with a clash against Pittsburgh this Thursday at 7 p.m., live on ACC Network Extra.

Dominant History & Recent Triumphs
Holding an unblemished 10-0 record against the Panthers, the Seminoles (16-7, 7-4) look to extend their mastery. Fresh off a Top 40 NET victory over Miami, FSU's late-game heroics and defensive lockdown spotlight their readiness for the challenges ahead.

Timpson's Milestone
Makayla Timpson's 10th double-double of the season in the win against Miami underscores her pivotal role. Joining FSU legends, Timpson's consistency is a beacon for the Seminoles as they navigate this crucial stretch.

Record Chasing & Team Depth
With a record in sight for 3-point field goals made, FSU's "pace and space" offense is a threat from deep. The team's balanced scoring, with four players in double figures against Miami, highlights the depth and versatility that could define their season's legacy.

Top 50 Wins & Looking Forward
Boasting four NET Top 50 wins, the Seminoles' resume is robust. As they face the final regular-season games, FSU's blend of strategic defense and offensive firepower sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

🥎 Seminoles Swing into Season at JoAnne Graf Classic

FSU Softball's 41st Season Opener
The No. 4 ranked Florida State softball team is set to launch their 41st fastpitch season at the JoAnne Graf Classic. The action kicks off against Charlotte at 6 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday at JoAnne Graf Field, with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. against Texas Tech and Florida A&M, and concluding with a game against Florida A&M at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Fans can catch all games live on ACCNX.

2023's Legacy & 2024's Promise
After a stellar run as the Women's College World Series National Runner Up in 2023, FSU returns with a blend of seasoned players and a top-ranked freshman class. With six All-ACC players back on the roster and five named to the Preseason All-ACC Team, expectations are high. The Seminoles, predicted to top the conference for the 11th straight year, boast a rich history of 33 combined ACC championships.

Record-Breaking Offense Returns
FSU's offense, returning six of its top seven hitters, aims to build on last year's record-setting performance, including the highest team batting average (.300) since 2019 and a program record of 122 doubles.

Pitching Depth & New Talent
The Seminoles' pitching strategy continues with a deep roster, including standout Makenna Reid, who returns after a perfect 13-0 season and a sub 1.00 ERA. Fresh talents Ashtyn Danley and Mimi Gooden join the circle, adding to FSU's formidable pitching lineup.

Fresh Faces to Watch
Head Coach Lonni Alameda's No. 3 nationally ranked freshman class is poised to make an immediate impact, promising another exciting season for FSU Softball.

Honoring a Legend
The JoAnne Graf Classic, now in its 5th year, pays homage to FSU's legendary coach, JoAnne Graf. With a record of 21-2 in the classic, the Seminoles look to add to their winning legacy under Graf's name, who will be throwing the first pitch on Thursday.

A Seminole Reunion
This weekend's classic will also serve as a reunion, with Texas Tech's coaching staff featuring several FSU alumni, including Head Coach Craig Snider, highlighting the enduring legacy of Seminole Softball.

🏌️‍♂️ Seminoles Tee Off Spring Season in Hawaii

FSU Golf at the Amer Ari Invitational
The No. 12 ranked Florida State Men's Golf team is set to open their spring season at the prestigious Amer Ari Invitational, held at the Mauna Lani North Course in Waimea, Hawaii. The tournament, featuring a 20-team field with nine Top 25 teams, promises competitive play from the nation's elite programs.

Elite Competition Awaits
The field boasts top-ranked teams including No. 1 Auburn and No. 2 UNC, setting the stage for a high-caliber tournament. FSU, ranked 12th, looks to make a strong statement against the likes of No. 4 Washington, No. 7 Arizona State, and other ranked teams.

Tournament Format
Scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, the tournament will adopt a shotgun start format, beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/7:30 a.m. HT each day, ensuring an exciting and dynamic competition.

FSU's Lineup
The Seminoles' lineup features a mix of talent and experience, including freshman Tyler Weaver, redshirt senior Cole Anderson, and sophomores Luke Clanton and Jack Bigham, with senior Frederik Kjettrup leading the team based on his impressive fall season performance.

Returning All-Americans
FSU boasts the return of all five All-Americans from the previous season, highlighting the team's depth and potential for success in the upcoming tournament.

A Return to Hawaii
This marks FSU's first appearance at the Amer Ari Invitational since the spring of 2011, adding a nostalgic touch to their ambitious start to the spring season.

🏃‍♂️ Seminoles Split for Final Regular Season Meets

FSU Track and Field's Busy Weekend
The No. 12/NR Florida State indoor track and field teams are gearing up for a split-squad weekend across three meets on Feb. 9-10, marking their final regular-season competition.

Where the Noles Will Compete

• Florida Last Chance Invite: FSU's throwers head to Gainesville, with events kicking off at 11 a.m. on Friday. Catch the action on FloTrack with live timing available.

• David Hemery Valentine Invitational: The distance squad takes on Boston, featuring the women's 3,000m on Friday and the 12th-ranked men's 5,000m on Saturday, both at 9 a.m.

• Tiger Paw Invitational: Clemson hosts FSU's jump and sprint groups starting Friday at 12 p.m.

Highlight Performances

• David Mullarkey shattered the FSU men's 3,000m record with a time of 7:42.89 at the John Thomas Terrier Classic, earning ACC Performer of the Week.

• Dajaz DeFrand dominated the Lenny Lyles Invitational, setting meet records in the 200m and 60m, leading the ACC in both.

• Jeremiah Davis secured first in the men's triple jump at the Bob Pollock Invitational, ranking second in the ACC.

• Andre Korbmacher set a personal best in the men's 60 hurdles at the Indoor Grand Prix, marking the sixth-fastest time in FSU history and ranking first in the ACC.

⚽ Nighswonger and Krueger Make the Cut for Concacaf W Gold Cup

As the U.S. Women's National Team gears up for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, two Florida State University alumni, Jenna Nighswonger and Casey Krueger, have been named to the 23-player roster by interim head coach Twila Kilgore.

The tournament, set to unfold from Feb. 17-March 10, will see the USWNT compete at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., with matches against Guyana or the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Mexico.

Jenna Nighswonger: From FSU to Gotham FC Glory Nighswonger, a Huntington Beach native, has transitioned seamlessly from her stellar college career at FSU to making waves in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) with NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Notably, her debut season in 2023 was marked by accolades, including Rookie of the Year, and she played a pivotal role in Gotham FC's championship victory. Known for her Olympico goals and versatility on the field, Nighswonger's international debut in December 2023 against China showcased her adaptability, playing as an outside-back despite being called up as a midfielder.

Casey Krueger: A Defensive Stalwart with a Rich FSU Legacy Krueger, an FSU graduate with a distinguished college and club career, has been a consistent presence in the Chicago Red Stars' defense since 2016.

Her journey from FSU, where she transitioned to an outside back and set defensive records, to overcoming injuries and becoming a key player for the Red Stars and the USWNT, underscores her resilience and skill.

Krueger's international experience includes competing in major tournaments like the SheBelieves Cup and the CONCACAF Women's Championship, contributing to the team's qualification for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

USWNT's Road to Gold The USWNT's quest for the Gold Cup title begins on February 20, with the team aiming to capitalize on this opportunity to prepare for the Olympic year.

The roster blends experience and emerging talent, featuring NWSL award winners and players from top European clubs.

With a format designed to mimic the Olympic rhythm, the tournament offers a crucial platform for players like Nighswonger and Krueger to cement their roles and forge future partnerships on the international stage.

🏈 FSU Welcomes New PWO Talent on National Signing Day

Spotlight on Seminoles' Latest Walk-Ons

Florida State University has always prided itself on discovering and developing talent through its preferred walk-on (PWO) program. This National Signing Day, FSU adds five new faces to its roster, each bringing unique skills and potential to the Seminoles' lineup. Here's a closer look at these promising athletes who could follow in the footsteps of impactful walk-ons like Treshaun Ward and Wyatt Rector.

Gavin Holman: Versatile Defender

• Position: LB/DE

• School: Berkeley Prep, Tampa

• Stats: 21 TFL in his senior year

• Notable: Holman's intelligence on the field is as commendable as his physicality, with offers from Ivy League schools highlighting his academic and athletic prowess.

Willy Suarez: Explosive Receiver

• Position: WR

• School: Tampa Jesuit

• Stats: Jumped from 200 to 1,232 receiving yards in 2023

• Notable: Suarez's speed and agility, evidenced by an 11.11 100-meter dash, caught the attention of military academies before choosing FSU.

Luke Douglas: Quarterback Turned Tight End

• Position: TE (Former QB)

• School: Jupiter High

• Stats: Led Jupiter to state playoffs for the first time in 18 years, breaking 5 school records

• Notable: Douglas's transition to TE is fueled by his athleticism and experience at QB, promising a dynamic addition to FSU's offense.

William Ross: Dual-Threat Lineman

• Position: DL

• School: Stoneman Douglas High, Parkland

• Stats: 20 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 1.5 sacks in his junior year

• Notable: Ross's size and versatility on both sides of the ball make him a valuable asset for the Seminoles' future.

Lazarius Parks: Dynamic Back

• Position: RB/WR

• School: Crestview, Florida

• Stats: Averaged over 80 yards per game as a senior

• Notable: Parks's ability to play both in the backfield and as a receiver, coupled with his quick feet and contact balance, mark him as a player to watch.

As FSU continues to bolster its roster with talented walk-ons, the future looks bright for these five newcomers.

🏈 FSU Takes Lead for Elite OL Dontrell Glover

After visiting Tallahassee, four-star OL Dontrell Glover, previously committed to Alabama, now sees Florida State as his top choice. On the "Five-Star Flex" podcast, Glover praised FSU's welcoming atmosphere and Coach Alex Atkins, stating, "I like Florida State very much."

Ranked in the top 10 for interior linemen and a top-200 prospect for 2025, Glover's shift towards FSU is a significant highlight in his recruitment journey. Despite interest from Alabama, Auburn, and a dream to play for Georgia, FSU stands out as his current favorite.

Glover, who aims to showcase his talent at the upcoming Under Armour All-American Camp, confidently claims, "I’m the top lineman in the country...I know I’m the best."

FSU's potential addition of Glover could significantly strengthen their offensive line, marking a key victory in the recruitment battle. 🍢🏈

🏈 FSU Seeks Dismissal in Legal Tussle with ACC

Florida State University's Board of Trustees has taken a significant step in its ongoing legal battle with the ACC by filing a motion to dismiss the ACC's lawsuit in North Carolina's Mecklenburg County Superior Court. The motion, filed on Wednesday, challenges the ACC's legal stance on several grounds, emphasizing procedural and jurisdictional issues.

Key Points of FSU's Motion:

• Premature Lawsuit: FSU argues the ACC's lawsuit was filed before a concrete controversy emerged, labeling the move as premature.

• Violation of Voting Procedure: The motion claims the ACC bypassed its constitutional requirement for a two-thirds member vote to initiate the lawsuit.

• Sovereign Immunity: FSU maintains it hasn't waived its sovereign immunity outside Florida, contesting the ACC's right to sue in North Carolina.

• Grants of Rights Approval: The filing questions whether the FSU Board officially approved the Grants of Rights, as mandated by Florida law.

• Fiduciary Duties: FSU disputes the ACC's interpretation of North Carolina law regarding fiduciary duties among its members.

Alternative Request: Should the court opt not to dismiss, FSU seeks a stay on the ACC's lawsuit in favor of a more comprehensive action pending in Florida, arguing against the ACC's "forum-shopping" for a favorable legal venue.

And that’s a wrap!

We hope you enjoyed the latest insights and stories from FSU athletics.

Whether it's on the court, the field, or in the courtroom, the Seminole spirit continues to thrive.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, Go Noles!