Yesterday’s Poll Results

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

From dominant victories on the court and in the pool to exciting recruiting updates, this edition is packed with highlights you won’t want to miss.

🏀 Dominance in Miami: Malique Ewin led the charge with a double-double as the Seminoles cruised past Miami in an 80-65 victory, securing their first ACC road win of the season.

🏀 West Coast Showdown Awaits: The women’s basketball team heads west for a late-night clash against Stanford, riding high with standout performances from Ta’Niya Latson and Makayla Timpson.

🏊 Sweeping Success in the Pool: FSU swimming and diving kicked off 2025 by winning every event in a commanding meet against Villanova.

🥍 Building a Legacy: Seminole lacrosse welcomes its first group of transfers, laying the foundation for the inaugural 2026 season.

⚽ Stars on the Rise: Four Seminoles head to the USWNT Futures Camp, showcasing Florida State’s dominance in women’s soccer development.

🏈 Recruiting Updates: From linebacker Simeon Caldwell mapping his visits to Antonio Cromartie Jr. setting his official FSU trip, the Seminoles are making waves on the recruiting trail.

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🏀 Ewin Shines as Seminoles Dominate Miami 80-65 🏀

Florida State stormed into Miami's Watsco Center and left with a decisive 80-65 victory, fueled by Malique Ewin's standout performance and a dominant closing stretch. With this win, the Seminoles improved to 11-4 overall and evened their ACC record at 2-2, earning their first ACC road win of the season.

🏹 Key Takeaways from the Victory:

• Ewin’s Double-Double:
  Malique Ewin led the charge with 20 points and 10 rebounds, securing his third career double-double. His 12 second-half points helped seal the game as FSU closed on a commanding 30-7 run.

• Balanced Scoring Attack:
  Taylor Bol Bowen added 16 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, and contributed six rebounds and three assists. Jamir Watkins chipped in 10 points, extending his double-figure scoring streak to 12 games.

• Playmaking Excellence:
  Daquan Davis dazzled with a career-high 10 assists against just one turnover, adding nine points and three rebounds in his third ACC start.

• Dominant Defense:
  Chandler Jackson anchored FSU's defense with a career-high three blocked shots, while Justin Thomas tallied three steals and added six points, four assists, and two rebounds.

🕹️ Game Flow:
After an early three-pointer by Watkins gave FSU its first lead, the Seminoles never looked back. They took control in the first half, leading 39-25 at halftime, and kept Miami at bay in the second half with a strong defensive effort and efficient scoring.

📊 By the Numbers:

• Shooting Efficiency: FSU shot 50% from the field (32-64) and made 10 three-pointers.

• Rebounding Dominance: The Seminoles out-rebounded Miami 39-25.

• Team Play: Florida State dished out a season-high 26 assists on 32 made field goals.

🛣️ What’s Next?
The Seminoles aim to build on their momentum as they head to Clemson for a showdown against the Tigers on Saturday, January 11, at 2 PM. Stay tuned for another exciting ACC matchup!

👉 Read more about FSU’s impressive road win and upcoming challenges here.

🏀 Seminoles Head West for Showdown with Stanford 🏀

The Florida State women's basketball team (13-2, 3-0 ACC) continues its strong season with a late-night matchup against Stanford (8-6, 0-3 ACC) on Thursday at 10 PM in Maples Pavilion.

🕹️ Game Preview:

• Series History: FSU trails 3-2, last falling to Stanford 100-88 in the Ball Dawgs Classic.

• Offensive Power: The Seminoles rank second nationally in scoring (94.9 PPG), led by Ta’Niya Latson, who tops the country with 27.9 points per game.

• Key Players:

  • Ta’Niya Latson: Coming off a Wooden Midseason Watch List nod, she led FSU with 25 points, seven assists, and six steals in their last game.

  • Makayla Timpson: Dominated with her eighth double-double of the season (17 points, 11 rebounds) and two blocks.

  • O’Mariah Gordon: Tied her career-high with four triples in the win over Syracuse.

👉 Don’t miss this exciting coast-to-coast clash!

🏊 Seminoles Dominate Villanova in Perfect 2025 Debut 🏊

The No. 22/25 Florida State swimming and diving teams swept every event in a commanding victory over Villanova on Wednesday at the Morcom Aquatics Center.

🌟 Key Highlights:

• Total Domination: FSU claimed first in all 32 events, with numerous top-three and top-four sweeps.

• Standout Performers:

  • Gloria Muzito: Four wins (three individual, one relay).

  • Mathias Christensen & Edith Jernstedt: Three individual victories each.

  • Michel Arkhangelskiy & Maddy Huggins: Multiple wins in individual and relay events.

• Diving Excellence: Samantha Vear and Hayden Schroeder each won both diving events, contributing to FSU’s clean sweep.

🛣️ What’s Next:
The Seminoles return to action on Friday, January 24, hosting the University of Tampa at 2 PM ET at the Morcom Aquatics Center.

👉 Stay tuned for more updates as FSU prepares for the postseason!

🥍 Seminole Lacrosse Welcomes First Transfers to Campus 🥍

Florida State women's lacrosse has officially added its first five transfers to the program, setting the stage for the inaugural 2026 season. Head coach Sara Tisdale praised the group for embodying the program’s values and emphasized their role in establishing a strong foundation for Seminole lacrosse.

🌟 Key Additions:

• Gabby Cleveland: All-conference attacker with experience at Oregon and Ohio State.

• Summer Harrell: Dynamic midfielder and high school All-American from Penn State.

• Loghan McNamara: Defensive standout who led her high school to an undefeated state championship.

• Lexi Smalline: Midfielder with starting experience as a freshman at Eastern Michigan.

• Olivia Sprinkle: Two-time team captain and IAAM champion midfielder from East Carolina.

🏆 Building for the Future:
The new arrivals will focus on skill development, strength training, and providing feedback on stadium design while serving as ambassadors for the program.

👉 Read more about the Seminole lacrosse program's growth here.

⚽ Seminoles Shine at USWNT Futures Camp ⚽

Florida State soccer will send Jordynn Dudley, Heather Gilchrist, Taylor Huff, and Yuna McCormack to the 2025 U.S. Women’s National Team Futures Camp in Carson, Calif., from January 14-21. Representing four of the 12 collegiate players invited, FSU boasts the highest representation of any university.

🌟 Seminole Standouts:

• Jordynn Dudley: Scored critical goals during the U-20 FIFA World Cup, including the extra-time winner against Mexico.

• Taylor Huff: Led FSU in 2024 with 12 goals and 10 assists, earning All-American and ACC Tournament MVP honors.

• Heather Gilchrist: Anchored a defense that recorded double-digit shutouts, earning All-American and All-ACC accolades.

• Yuna McCormack: Notable contributor at the U-20 World Cup with two group-stage goals.

The camp, held alongside the USWNT senior team camp, will feature top prospects under the guidance of U.S. National Team and Youth National Team coaches.

👉 Read more about FSU’s soccer dominance and the Futures Camp here.

🏈 Top 100 LB Simeon Caldwell Explores Options 🏈

Four-star linebacker Simeon Caldwell is mapping out his recruitment journey with several January and spring visits on the horizon. The 6’3”, 185-pound standout from Jacksonville’s Bolles School is considering schools across the country as he evaluates cultures and coaching styles that align with his values.

🔑 Key Updates:

• In-State Contenders: Florida State and Miami are actively pursuing Caldwell, with frequent communication from coaching staffs.

• Top Schools: Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Penn State are among Caldwell’s top choices, with recent visits to Florida and Ohio State.

• Culture Matters: Caldwell prioritizes leadership, adversity management, and team cohesion when assessing programs.

🌟 Caldwell on Florida State:
“They don’t listen to outside noise and are all in on themselves. One bad year doesn’t define them—they still have the talent and the culture to succeed.”

🌟 Caldwell on Miami:
“They play physical, nasty football. As a linebacker, that’s the style of ball I want to play.”

With visits to Notre Dame, Ohio State, and others on his radar, Caldwell’s decision-making process will be one to watch as top programs compete for the promising 2026 linebacker.

👉 Read more about Caldwell’s recruitment and future plans here.

🛡️ FSU Legacy Antonio Cromartie Jr. Sets Official Visit 🛡️

Florida State extended a Christmas Day offer to Antonio Cromartie Jr., a senior cornerback from Carrollton, Georgia, and son of former Seminole and NFL star Antonio Cromartie. The offer sets up Cromartie Jr.’s official visit to Tallahassee from January 10-12, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

🔑 Key Details:

• Dream Offer: “It’s always been my dream school since I was five years old,” said Cromartie Jr., who waited to sign early in hopes of receiving an FSU offer.

• Family Legacy: His father starred for the Seminoles from 2003-2005 before becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2006.

• Recruitment Update: In addition to FSU, Cromartie Jr. holds offers from Southeast Missouri State, UT Martin, and Wofford.

🌟 What’s Next:
Cromartie Jr. heads to campus this weekend for his official visit, where FSU looks to solidify its position as his top choice. Currently, the lone 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction points to the Seminoles landing the legacy recruit.

👉 Read more about Cromartie Jr.’s recruitment journey here.

And that’s a wrap!

As the Garnet and Gold shine across courts, fields, and pools, we’re reminded that excellence isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset. Whether it’s breaking records, building legacies, or shaping the future of FSU athletics, the Seminole spirit is unstoppable. Until next time, stay inspired and keep cheering for the tribe. Go ‘Noles! 🌟