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TGIF Seminole!

Here’s what’s on the docket for you today:

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

🎾 FSU Women's Tennis Heads to ITA Kickoff Weekend 🎾

The Florida State women's tennis team has been selected as the No. 2 seed in the Pepperdine Region for the 2024 ITA Kickoff Weekend. They will face No. 3 seed Georgia Tech on January 24, 2025, with the winner advancing to play either No. 1 seed Pepperdine or No. 4 seed Arizona.

🥎 FSU Softball Adds Julia Apsel from Transfer Portal 🥎

Head Coach Lonni Alameda has strengthened the FSU softball team by signing left-handed pitcher Julia Apsel from Hofstra. Apsel, a standout performer with a 1.39 ERA and 19-12 record in 2024, brings her impressive skills to the Seminoles' roster.

🏐 Holly Watts Returns to FSU Volleyball as Assistant Coach 🏐

Holly Watts rejoins FSU Volleyball as an assistant coach. Watts, who coached at FSU from 2008-12, returns after head coaching stints at UTEP and Western New Mexico, bringing a wealth of experience and success back to the team.

🎉 Jennifer Coleman Honored in '30 Under 30' by College Sports Communicators 🎉

Jennifer Coleman, a public relations assistant at FSU, has been named to the College Sports Communicators '30 Under 30' Class of 2023. This recognition highlights her achievements and potential in college athletics communications.

🏈 FSU Hosts Key Official Visitors This Weekend 🏈

Florida State is set to host seven crucial official visitors this weekend. The lineup includes highly-ranked prospects such as WR Kaliq Lockett, WR Joshua Moore, WR Malik Clark, DL Justus Terry, LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, DB Jaboree Antoine, and DB Jordan Young. This weekend is pivotal for FSU's recruiting efforts, aiming to secure top talent for the 2025 class.

🏈 FSU Aims to Impress Top247 Safety Jordan Young 🏈

Top247 safety Jordan Young visits FSU this weekend. Currently favoring Clemson, FSU needs to make a significant impact during his visit to sway his decision.

⚾️ FSU vs. Tennessee: College World Series Showdown ⚾️

Florida State faces Tennessee in the College World Series opener on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. With standout players like Jamie Arnold and a strong lineup, FSU aims to leverage its top talents and strategic plays to secure a victory against the formidable Volunteers.

🎾 FSU Women's Tennis Heads to ITA Kickoff Weekend 🎾

The Florida State women's tennis team has been selected as the No. 2 seed in the Pepperdine Region for the 2024 ITA Kickoff Weekend. The Seminoles will face No. 3 seed Georgia Tech in the opening round on January 24, 2025. The winner will advance to play either No. 1 seed Pepperdine or No. 4 seed Arizona in this single-elimination event.

Event Highlights:

• Dates: January 24, 2025

• Host Sites: 14 locations nationwide

• Goal: Secure a spot in the 2025 ITA National Team Indoor Championships

Team Performances:

• Florida State (2024): 17 wins, three top-25 victories, ranked No. 22 nationally

• Georgia Tech (2024): 14-10 record, ranked No. 25

• Pepperdine (2024): 21 wins, West Coast Conference champions, ranked No. 6, NCAA semifinalists

• Arizona (2024): 17 wins, ranked No. 39

Previous Encounters:

• FSU defeated Georgia Tech 6-1 in the 2024 regular season.

🥎 FSU Softball Adds Julia Apsel from Transfer Portal 🥎

Head Coach Lonni Alameda and the Florida State softball team have secured their first transfer portal addition with left-handed pitcher Julia Apsel joining the Noles.

Apsel’s 2024 Highlights:

• Team: Hofstra

• ERA: 1.39 (10th nationally)

• Record: 19-12

• Appearances: 33 (31 starts)

• Complete Games: 20 (15th nationally)

• Strikeouts: 176 (37th nationally)

Key Performances:

• Against Penn State: 6.1 innings, 2 earned runs

• Against Texas: 6.0 innings, 4 runs

• Against Missouri: 9 innings, 2 runs, 4 hits

Apsel earned CAA All-Tournament Team honors, pitching 26.2 innings with 24 strikeouts and just three earned runs. She will join a strong FSU pitching staff alongside Ashtyn Danley, Makenna Reid, Mimi Gooden, and newcomer Jasmine "Jazzy" Francik.

🏐 Holly Watts Returns to FSU Volleyball as Assistant Coach 🏐

Holly Watts has been announced as the newest assistant coach for Florida State Volleyball, rejoining a program she prominently coached at from 2008-12. Watts, who previously coached with FSU Head Coach Chris Poole from 1996 to 2013, returns after head coaching stints at UTEP and Western New Mexico.

Key Highlights of Watts' Career:

• Previous FSU Tenure: 130-34 record, NCAA National Semifinals (2011), Regional Finals (2009, 2011), ACC Championships (2011, 2012).

• Coaching Focus: Middle blockers, team blocking, and right-side training.

• Notable Players: Coached All-Americans like Brianna Barry, Jordana Price, Ashley Neff, and Sareea Freeman.

Watts will serve as the team's Director of Volleyball Operations and will have a strong recruiting focus in Texas and the Western United States. She will coach top middle blocker Khori Louis and help develop Kelsey Perry, Laila N'Diaye, Greta Gelumbickas, and right-side hitter Maddie Snider.

🎉 Jennifer Coleman Honored in '30 Under 30' by College Sports Communicators 🎉

Jennifer Coleman, a public relations assistant in her first year at Florida State, was recognized by the College Sports Communicators as a member of the '30 Under 30' Class of 2023. This award highlights emerging professionals in college athletics communications.

Key Highlights:

• FSU Role: Works with men's and women's track and field programs.

• Previous Experience: Five years at Thomas University, primary contact for multiple sports.

• Achievements: NAIA Academic All-American, holds six school records at Thomas University.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in film studies from Thomas University.

🏈 FSU Hosts Key Official Visitors This Weekend 🏈

Florida State is set to host seven official visitors this weekend, marking a significant recruiting event for Mike Norvell and his staff. Here's an in-depth look at the prospects visiting and their potential impact on FSU's 2025 class:

WR Kaliq Lockett

• Ranking: No. 11 overall, No. 2 WR (2025)

• Bio: Texas native with 103 receptions, 2,073 yards, and 22 TDs over three seasons. Averaged 22.0 yards per reception last season.

• Visits: LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama, Texas.

• Scouting Report: Tall, long-armed receiver with excellent hands and body control. Projects as an impact player with long-term NFL potential.

WR Joshua Moore

• Ranking: No. 195 overall, No. 24 WR (Composite)

• Bio: South Florida native with 50 receptions, 835 yards, and 9 TDs last season. Noted for his size and ability to dominate as an outside receiver.

• Visits: Florida, Miami, Georgia.

• Our Take: Moore is a long-time target for FSU, with significant interest from other top programs. His decision will likely hinge on his official visits.

WR Malik Clark

• Ranking: No. 209 overall, No. 22 WR (2025)

• Bio: South Carolina native with 46 receptions, 800 yards, and 9 TDs as a junior. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field.

• Visits: South Carolina, North Carolina, Notre Dame, NC State.

• Our Take: FSU is playing catch-up with schools closer to home, but this visit could make a lasting impression.

DL Justus Terry

• Ranking: No. 12 overall, No. 2 DL (2025)

• Bio: Georgia native with 78 tackles, 13 sacks, and 6.5 TFLs last season. Known for his physicality and versatility.

• Visits: Georgia, USC.

• Scouting Report: Big, rugged run-stopper with excellent length and athleticism. Projects as a top interior defensive lineman with pro potential.

LB Zaydrius Rainey-Sale

• Ranking: No. 111 overall, No. 14 LB (2025)

• Bio: Washington native, previously committed to Washington. Known for his explosiveness and versatility.

• Visits: UCLA, Oregon State, Washington.

• Our Take: Distance is a challenge, but FSU's coaching staff is making a strong push to convince him to head east.

DB Jaboree Antoine

• Ranking: No. 136 overall, No. 17 CB (2025)

• Bio: LSU commit from Louisiana, athletic and versatile. Explosive with a nose for the ball.

• Visits: Miami, Texas, LSU (in-season).

• Our Take: Flipping an LSU commit is tough, but Antoine is open to exploring his options.

DB Jordan Young

• Ranking: No. 128 overall, No. 12 S (2025)

• Bio: North Carolina native with versatility across offense, defense, and special teams. Known for his playmaking ability.

• Visits: Clemson, NC State, Michigan.

• Our Take: FSU needs to close the gap with Clemson, the current leader in his recruitment.

This weekend is crucial for FSU as they aim to solidify commitments and make significant strides in their recruiting efforts. The blend of top-tier talent and strategic targets visiting Tallahassee could shape the future of FSU’s program.

🏈 FSU Aims to Impress Top247 Safety Jordan Young 🏈

Florida State has a crucial weekend ahead as Top247 safety Jordan Young visits Tallahassee. Currently favoring Clemson, the Seminoles need to make a significant impression to shift the balance in their favor. In an exclusive interview, Young shared insights into his recruitment process and what he expects from FSU.

Recruitment Status:

• Visits: Clemson (favorite), FSU, NC State, Michigan.

• Leader: Clemson, due to frequent visits and strong communication.

Expectations from FSU Visit:

• Questions: Young seeks clarity on FSU’s DB roster, the business school, and their long-term plan for him.

• Interaction: More interaction with coaches and players, seeing the campus in better weather, and experiencing FSU at its best.

Coach Pat Surtain:

• Young has a strong relationship with FSU’s defensive backs coach, Pat Surtain, who regularly checks in on him.

Decision Timeline:

• Young plans to make his decision on October 12, his birthday weekend.

⚾️ FSU vs. Tennessee: College World Series Showdown ⚾️

Florida State will face Tennessee in the 2024 Men's College World Series opener on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

FSU returns to Omaha for the 24th time, their first since 2019, after defeating UConn in the Super Regional. Tennessee, back for the third time in four years, is making back-to-back appearances for the first time in program history.

Key Players and Matchups

FSU’s Jamie Arnold:

• Expected to start against Tennessee.

• Comes from a lower left-hand slot, hitting 97 MPH with his fastball.

• Uses a fastball/slider combination effectively, filling the strike zone.

FSU’s Bullpen:

• Brennen Oxford: Top bullpen option with a low-90s fastball and slider.

• Conner Whittaker: Versatile pitcher, returning from injury.

• John Abraham and Joe Charles: Right-handers known for their breaking balls.

Strengths of FSU:

• Top-end Talent: Featuring Arnold, James Tibbs III, and Cam Smith.

• Lineup Depth: Strong offensive lineup with power hitters.

• Infield Defense: Improved significantly with standout players like Daniel Cantu and Alex Lodise.

• Consistency of Coach Link Jarrett: Provides stability and leadership.

Challenges for FSU:

• Bullpen Depth: Affected by injuries to key players.

• Command Issues: Struggles with strike zone consistency.

• Over-aggressive Offense: Tendency to chase pitches outside the zone early in counts.

Keys to Victory:

• Strong performance from top players.

• Efficient start from Arnold to minimize bullpen reliance.

• Production from the top half of the batting order.

• Solid infield defense.

FSU’s success will hinge on their ability to manage Tennessee’s powerful offense and leverage their top talents to gain an edge. They must focus on avoiding early mistakes, maintaining composure under pressure, and capitalizing on offensive opportunities to secure a victory in this crucial opening game.

And that’s a wrap!

We hope you enjoyed the updates and insights into FSU's exciting events and achievements.

Stay tuned for more news and stories that keep you connected to the heart of Seminole Nation.

Go Noles!