Welcome to The Chief Brief!

We have got an absolutely loaded edition for you today so grab your coffee, your Red Bull, your beer and put on your Seminole headdress.

TGIF Noles! Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

🏐 FSU Volleyball's Exciting Transfers for 2024
FSU Volleyball, coming off an ACC co-championship, welcomes three talented transfers, including All-American Taylor Head, setting the stage for a thrilling 2024 season.

🎾 FSU Men's Tennis at ITA Kickoff Weekend
The No. 25 FSU men's tennis team heads to Starkville for the ITA Kickoff Weekend, facing Arizona State and aiming for a spot in the National Men's Team Indoor Championships.

🏊 FSU Swimming and Diving's Final Showdown Against Florida
The FSU swimming and diving teams prepare for their season finale against the Florida Gators, showcasing their skills in Ocala and Gainesville.

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball Faces Tough Loss Against Duke
The No. 23 FSU Women's Basketball team endures a challenging defeat against Duke, with standout performances despite the loss, and looks ahead to their next game against Georgia Tech.

🥎 FSU Softball Ready for Dominant Season
FSU Softball, predicted to win the ACC again, boasts five players on the Preseason All-ACC Team and gears up for a season filled with high expectations and talented newcomers.

🏈 5-Star LB Tyler Atkinson Visits FSU for Junior Day
FSU Football welcomes top prospect Tyler Atkinson for Junior Day, highlighting the team's strong recruiting efforts and focus on elite talent for the 2026 class.

🏈 4-Star LB Jakaleb Faulk's Upcoming Visit to FSU
FSU Football is set to host Jakaleb Faulk, a four-star linebacker and younger brother of a former FSU target, showcasing the Seminoles' continued interest in top high school athletes.

Stay tuned for more thrilling updates and in-depth coverage of FSU sports. Go Noles! 🍢🏆🔥

🏐 FSU Volleyball Gears Up for 2024 with Stellar Transfers 🏐

Building on ACC Co-Championship Success Fresh off an ACC co-championship, Florida State Volleyball is ramping up for an even more dynamic 2024 season. The team is bolstering its roster with the addition of three exceptional transfers, each bringing unique skills and experience to the court.

New Faces, New Talents Head Coach Chris Poole welcomes fifth-year outside hitter Taylor Head from the University of Arkansas, fifth-year setter Loren Robertson from the University of Memphis, and redshirt sophomore middle blocker Kelsey Perry from Iowa State University. "All three of these student-athletes have great personalities and are tremendous people on and off the court," Poole remarked.

Spotlight on Taylor Head Taylor Head, an All-American at Arkansas, joins FSU with impressive stats, including 494 kills and an average of 3.89 kills per set. Not just a powerhouse in attacks, Head also excels in defense with an average of 3.2 digs per set. She's set to enhance FSU's beach volleyball team as well under coach Brooke Niles.

Loren Robertson: Setting Up Success With the departure of Jelli Draskovic, setter Loren Robertson steps in to fill a crucial role. Her experience as a four-year setter at Memphis, including a standout performance of 1,181 assists in 2022, positions her as a key player for FSU's offensive strategy.

Kelsey Perry: A Fresh Force in the Middle Redshirt sophomore Kelsey Perry brings her prowess as a middle blocker, having ranked second in total blocks at Iowa State. Her ability to impact the game, evidenced by a .700 hitting percentage against top-ranked Texas, adds depth to the Seminoles' defense.

A Season of High Expectations With the return of all five ACC award winners and 12 student-athletes from the championship team, including ACC Co-Player of the Year Audrey Koenig, FSU Volleyball is poised for a remarkable season. The blend of experienced returnees and talented transfers sets the stage for FSU to be a formidable force in the conference once again.

As FSU Volleyball gears up for 2024, the addition of Head, Robertson, and Perry signals a season filled with potential and high hopes. Stay tuned as the Seminoles aim to turn their championship dreams into reality. 🍢🏐🏆

🎾 FSU Men's Tennis: Aiming High at ITA Kickoff Weekend 🎾

No. 25 Seminoles Set for Starkville Showdown The No. 25 Florida State men's tennis team is ready to make waves at the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Starkville, Mississippi. A successful run here could lead to a spot in the prestigious 2024 ITA DI National Men's Team Indoor Championships in New York.

A Weekend of High-Stakes Matches FSU, participating in their third consecutive ITA Kickoff Weekend, faces Arizona State on Saturday. It's a rare matchup, with the teams not having faced each other since 2002. Depending on Saturday's results, the Seminoles will take on either No. 12 Mississippi State or VCU on Sunday.

Recent Triumphs and Challenges The team kicked off the season with wins against Mercer and Jacksonville State but faced a setback in a top-20 clash at Mississippi State. However, they bounced back with a nail-biting victory at Alabama, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit.

Spotlight on Antoine Cornut-Chauvinc Antoine Cornut-Chauvinc, a key player for FSU, has been on a roll, claiming two singles victories against top-40 ranked players. His remarkable performance includes a straight-set win over No. 13 Petar Jovanovic of Mississippi State and a high-pressure third-set triumph against No. 35 Filip Planinsek of Alabama.

Doubles Success Cornut-Chauvinc, alongside Joshua Dous-Karpenschif, also shone in doubles, defeating the 25th-ranked pair in the country at Alabama. Their impressive 6-2 victory highlights FSU's strength not just in singles but also in doubles play.

Eyes on the Prize As the Seminoles gear up for a weekend of intense competition, their recent performances and individual talents like Cornut-Chauvinc's give them a solid chance to advance and make a mark on the national stage. Stay tuned as FSU men's tennis takes on the challenge at ITA Kickoff Weekend. 🍢🎾🏆

🏊 FSU Swimming and Diving: Final Showdown Against Florida 🏊

A High-Stakes Meet in Ocala and Gainesville The No. 16/RV Florida State swimming and diving teams are gearing up for their final contest of the season against the No. 4/3 Florida Gators. The swimming events will take place in Ocala, while the diving competition will be held in Gainesville, offering a dual setting for this exciting meet.

Coach Neal Studd's Optimism FSU head coach Neal Studd is looking forward to the challenge against a strong Florida team. "It's exciting that we're swimming in Ocala," Studd said. "It's a chance for us to race at such a great facility and hopefully put up some great times as we head to the postseason."

Neutral Site, High Expectations This marks the second straight neutral site swimming contest between the Seminoles and Gators. The 16th-ranked FSU men's team boasts a 5-1, 1-0 ACC record, while the women's team holds a 5-3, 0-1 ACC record. They face Florida's formidable teams, with the Gators' men at 6-0, 4-0 SEC and the women at 5-1, 5-0 SEC.

Event Format and Expectations The meet will follow a 16-event format, featuring a range of strokes and distances, starting with the 200 medley relay and concluding with the 200 free relay. Fans can expect intense competition as both teams vie for top spots in each event.

Live Timing and Scoring Live timing for the meet will be available through Meet Mobile, allowing fans to follow the action in real-time. Additionally, live scoring for the diving events, which also include Miami, can be found on divemeets.com.

Recap of Last Time Out In their last outing, the FSU teams faced tough competition against Georgia and Vanderbilt. Despite some losses, there were notable victories, including Edith Jernstedt's wins in the 200 and 100 fly and Tommaso Baravelli's breaststroke triumphs. On the diving side, Darwin Nolasco, David Vargas, Kayleigh Clark, and Jessica Buntman achieved personal bests, with Nolasco and Vargas winning key events.

CSCAA Poll Rankings The FSU men's team remains steady at No. 16 in the CSCAA poll, consistently featured in the top 25 since November 2017. The women's team, previously ranked 23rd, is now first in receiving votes.

As the Seminoles dive into this high-profile meet against Florida, they carry the momentum of past successes and the determination to excel. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling contest in both swimming and diving. 🍢🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️🏆

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball: Tough Loss Against Duke 🏀

A Challenging Night at Cameron Indoor Stadium The No. 23 Florida State Women's Basketball team faced a tough defeat against Duke, with the final score at 88-46. This loss at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium marks a challenging moment in the Seminoles' ACC journey.

Struggles in the Second and Third Quarters The Seminoles (14-7, 5-4) found themselves outpaced in the crucial second and third quarters, being outscored 48-31 by the Blue Devils. Duke's shooting efficiency at 53 percent contrasted sharply with FSU's struggles, as the Seminoles managed only a 22.4 percent shooting rate from the floor.

Latson's Continued Excellence Despite the team's overall difficulties, sophomore Ta'Niya Latson continued to shine, leading FSU with 15 points. This performance marks her 18th double-figure game of the season, underscoring her consistent contribution to the team.

Duke's Standout Performance Duke's Taina Mair was a key player in the Blue Devils' victory, scoring 18 points on an impressive 6-of-10 shooting, contributing significantly to Duke's dominant performance.

Looking Ahead to Georgia Tech The Seminoles now look forward to their next challenge, facing Georgia Tech on Sunday at 4 p.m. This upcoming game, set to air on the ACC Network, offers FSU an opportunity to bounce back and showcase their resilience. 🍢🏀🔥

🥎 FSU Softball: Primed for Another Dominant Season 🥎

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence The No. 16 Florida State softball team, fresh off their 19th ACC Tournament Championship and 14th ACC Regular Season Championship in 2023, is once again picked to win the ACC for the 11th consecutive season. This prediction by the coaches underscores the Seminoles' sustained dominance in the conference.

Seminoles Lead Preseason All-ACC Team FSU's prowess is further highlighted with five players named to the Preseason All-ACC Team, the most from any school. This elite group includes Kalei Harding, Jahni Kerr, Kaley Mudge, Makenna Reid, and Michaela Edenfield, all of whom earned All-ACC honors in 2023.

Spotlight on FSU's Star Players

• Jahni Kerr: Coming off a breakout season with a team-leading .356 batting average, 8 home runs, and 40 RBIs. Kerr's consistency and multi-hit streaks have made her a key offensive player.

• Kaley Mudge: Known for her defensive prowess in left field and a .346 batting average. Mudge's remarkable plays, including robbing home runs, have been pivotal for FSU.

• Michaela Edenfield: Leading the team in home runs (13) and RBI (53), Edenfield's power was on full display in the Women's College World Series.

• Makenna Reid: Had an exceptional freshman season, boasting a perfect 13-0 record and a 0.97 ERA, the lowest by a Florida State pitcher since 2009.

• Kalei Harding: Demonstrated durability and clutch performances, playing in all 69 games and hitting .311 with 10 home runs and 48 RBI.

Building on National Success After finishing as National Runner Up twice in the past three seasons, FSU is set to return six of their top seven hitters from 2023. The team's depth is further bolstered by the addition of six freshmen and one transfer, forming a formidable lineup for the upcoming season.

Exciting Season Opener Ahead FSU will officially start their season with the Garnet and Gold Scrimmage, Fan Day, and First Pitch Party on Feb. 3. The regular season begins on Feb. 8 against Charlotte in the JoAnne Graf Classic.

2024 ACC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll Florida State leads the poll with 10 first-place votes and 141 points, followed closely by Clemson and Duke.

2024 Softball Preseason All-ACC Team FSU's representation is strong, with players in infield, outfield, pitcher, and catcher categories, showcasing the team's all-around talent.

As the Seminoles gear up for another potentially dominant season, the excitement and expectations are high. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating journey for FSU Softball in 2024. 🍢🥎🏆

🏈 FSU Eyes 5-Star LB Tyler Atkinson for 2026 🏈

Top Prospect Visits for Junior Day Tyler Atkinson, a five-star linebacker from Loganville, Georgia, is set to visit FSU this weekend for the Seminoles' Junior Day. This visit follows his attendance at FSU's win over Miami last November.

A Coveted Recruit Atkinson, offered by FSU in June 2022, boasts an impressive list of 40 offers from top programs nationwide. His talent is recognized across the country, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in his class.

Impressive Early Achievements Atkinson's accolades include being the first eighth grader invited to the All-American Bowl and a MaxPreps Freshman All-American title. His freshman year stats are outstanding, with 112 tackles, 22 TFLs, and 8 sacks.

High National Ranking Ranked as the No. 2 linebacker and No. 11 overall prospect for 2026 by 247Sports, Atkinson's potential impact at the collegiate level is highly anticipated.

FSU's Recruiting Focus Atkinson's visit underscores FSU's commitment to attracting elite talent. His interest in FSU highlights the Seminoles' appeal to top-tier high school athletes.

As Tyler Atkinson explores FSU this weekend, the Seminoles' coaching staff and fans eagerly await the opportunity to impress one of the nation's top prospects. Stay tuned for more on FSU's recruiting efforts.🍢🏈🌟

🏈 FSU to Host 4-Star LB Jakaleb Faulk This Weekend 🏈

A Familiar Name Returns to Tallahassee Florida State is set to welcome a recruit with a familiar last name. Jakaleb Faulk, a four-star linebacker from Highland Home, Alabama, and current Auburn commit, announced his visit to FSU this weekend. He's the younger brother of Keldric Faulk, a former FSU target now with Auburn.

FSU's Longstanding Interest in Faulk FSU has shown interest in Jakaleb Faulk for over two years, being the first power five program to offer him a scholarship in January 2022. Although he visited FSU several times in 2022 with his brother, this weekend marks his first visit to campus in over a year.

Faulk's Impressive Profile At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Faulk ranks as the nation's No. 124 overall prospect and No. 12 edge rusher. His versatility is evident as he played both linebacker and wide receiver for Highland Home, contributing significantly on both sides of the ball.

A Multi-Talented Athlete Faulk's athletic prowess extends beyond football. As a sophomore, he played a key role in Highland Home's basketball team reaching Alabama’s 2A Final Four, showcasing his diverse athletic skills.

As FSU prepares to host Jakaleb Faulk, the Seminoles are eager to make a strong impression on this talented prospect. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting recruiting visit. 🍢🏈🌟

And that’s a wrap!

As we close this edition, the Seminoles continue to demonstrate strength, resilience, and skill across all sports.

From the volleyball court to the swimming pool, and from the basketball hardwood to the football field, FSU athletes are gearing up for exciting challenges and memorable performances.

Keep supporting and cheering for our teams as they strive for excellence and make us proud. Until next time, stay tuned for more Seminole action and triumphs.

Go Noles! 🍢🏁🏆