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Happy Thursday Seminole!

Here’s what we’ve got for you on the final Thursday of June:

🌟 Krueger and Nighswonger Make USWNT Olympic Roster 🌟 Former FSU soccer stars Casey Krueger and Jenna Nighswonger will represent the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking the first time two Seminoles will do so.

⚾ Tibbs, Arnold, and Smith Named All-Americans, Lead FSU to College World Series ⚾ James Tibbs III, Jamie Arnold, and Cam Smith earned All-American honors, leading FSU to the College World Series with stellar performances and a No. 3 national ranking.

🏅 Four Beach Volleyball Seminoles Named to Academic All-District Team 🏅 Alexis Durish, Audrey Koenig, Maddie Anderson, and Raelyn White were honored for their academic and athletic achievements, now finalists for the CSC Academic All-America Team.

🏆 FSU Achieves Highest LEARFIELD Director's Cup Ranking Since 2018-19 🏆 Florida State secured 12th place in the 2023-24 LEARFIELD Director's Cup standings, the best finish since 2018-19, highlighting achievements across various sports.

📢 Underdog is back in Florida! 📢 Sign up now with the code “CHIEF” and get a 50% first deposit match up to $500. That means up to $250 in bonus cash! SIGN UP HERE

⭐ Four-Star Safety JaDon Blair to Announce Commitment on July 5 ⭐ Four-star safety JaDon Blair will choose between Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan, South Carolina, Florida State, and Louisville, seeking the best fit for his development.

⭐ Five-Star WR Kaliq Lockett Sets Commitment Date for August 7 ⭐ Five-star WR Kaliq Lockett from Texas will announce his decision on August 7. His top contenders include Alabama, FSU, LSU, Texas, and Texas A&M.

🏈 Four-Star LB Tavion Wallace Nears Commitment Decision 🏈 Four-star LB Tavion Wallace will announce his commitment on July 2, choosing between Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and FSU, with the Seminoles currently leading.

🏈 June Official Visits Propel FSU Recruiting Momentum 🏈 FSU’s recruiting class surged to No. 15 after landing WR CJ Wiley and DL Kevin Wynn. Key targets include RB Byron Louis, DB Gregory Thomas, and several top offensive linemen.

⚾ FSU Baseball Lands Transfer Pitcher Grant Cherry ⚾ FSU baseball added Long Beach State transfer Grant Cherry, a right-handed pitcher, strengthening their roster with his 3.62 ERA and 38 strikeouts over 32.1 innings.

⚾ Florida State Baseball: 2024 Season Recap and Offseason Roster Updates ⚾ FSU finished the 2024 season as National Semifinalists with a 49-17 record. Key transfer additions and high school recruits aim to bolster the roster for the upcoming season.

⚽️ Krueger and Nighswonger Make USWNT Olympic Roster ⚽️

Former FSU soccer stars Casey Krueger and Jenna Nighswonger have been named to the 18-person roster for the United States Women's National Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This historic selection marks the first time two Seminoles will represent the U.S. in women's soccer at the Olympics.

Casey Krueger:

• Four seasons at FSU: 81 appearances, 70 starts, 7 goals, 18 assists.

• Honors: All-ACC Freshman Team (2008), Second Team All-ACC (2010, 2012).

• Professional: Drafted fifth overall in 2013 NWSL Draft, nearly 150 club appearances, currently with Washington Spirit.

• International: 49 caps since 2016, second Olympic selection.

Jenna Nighswonger:

• Four seasons at FSU: 86 appearances, 56 starts, 19 goals, 34 assists.

• Honors: 2021 National Champion, six All-ACC honors, 2022 ACC Tournament MVP, 2022 All-American.

• Professional: Drafted fourth overall in 2023 NWSL Draft to NJ/NY Gotham FC, 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year.

• International: First Olympic selection, nine caps.

The U.S. will start its Olympic campaign on July 25 against Zambia at 3 p.m. ET.

Read more here

⚾️ Tibbs, Arnold, and Smith Named All-Americans, Lead FSU to College World Series ⚾️

James Tibbs III, Jamie Arnold, and Cam Smith earned All-American honors after an impressive season, leading FSU to the College World Series and a No. 3 national ranking.

James Tibbs III:

• Unanimous first-team selection.

• Stats: .363 average, 91 hits, 18 doubles, 28 HRs, 95 RBIs.

• Achievements: ACC Player of the Year, Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Jamie Arnold:

• First-team All-American.

• Stats: 11-3 record, 2.98 ERA, 159 strikeouts.

• Achievements: Tallahassee Regional Most Outstanding Player, first-team All-ACC.

Cam Smith:

• Second-team All-American.

• Stats: .387 average, 104 hits, 16 HRs.

• Achievements: 56-game on-base streak, highest batting average since 2009.

These accolades mark the first time FSU had multiple first-team All-Americans since 2012, underscoring their stellar performance this season.

Read more here

🏅 Four Beach Volleyball Seminoles Named to Academic All-District Team 🏅

Junior Alexis Durish, senior Audrey Koenig, and FSU alumnae Maddie Anderson and Raelyn White were honored for their academic and athletic achievements as members of the 2024 Academic All-District Women's At-Large Team.

Maddie Anderson:

• Record: 23-8 overall.

• Awards: CCSA Preseason Player of the Year, AVCA All-American Second Team.

• Academics: 3.67 GPA, master’s in Sports Management.

Raelyn White:

• Record: 31-7 overall.

• Awards: CCSA All-Conference Team, CCSA All-Tournament Team.

• Academics: 3.94 GPA, master’s in Athletic Coaching.

Alexis Durish:

• Record: 29-7 overall.

• Awards: CCSA All-Conference Team, CCSA Pair of the Tournament.

• Academics: 3.52 GPA, Management Information Systems.

Audrey Koenig:

• Record: 30-8 overall.

• Awards: CCSA All-Conference Team, CCSA All-Tournament Team.

• Academics: 3.97 GPA, bachelor’s in Biology.

All four athletes are now finalists for the CSC Academic All-America Team, to be announced on June 16.

Read more here

🏆 FSU Achieves Highest LEARFIELD Director's Cup Ranking Since 2018-19 🏆

Florida State secured 12th place in the 2023-24 LEARFIELD Director's Cup standings, marking its best finish since 2018-19. Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford praised the commitment to excellence across all sports.

Key Achievements:

• Points Scored: 998.88, highest since 2018-19.

• National Championship: Women’s soccer.

• Top Performances:

  • Men’s golf: Runner-up.

  • Baseball: 3rd place, College World Series semifinal.

  • Beach volleyball: 5th place.

  • Football: 6th place.

  • Softball, men’s tennis: Super Regional appearances.

Conference Championships:

• Women’s soccer: ACC title.

• Football: ACC title.

• Volleyball: ACC title.

• Beach volleyball: CCSA championship.

• Men’s tennis: ACC crown.

Florida State's impressive results reflect the dedication of its student-athletes, coaches, and staff, and highlight the strong support from university leadership. The future looks bright for Seminole athletics.

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Underdog is back in Florida!

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⭐️ Four-Star Safety JaDon Blair to Announce Commitment on July 5 ⭐️

Mount Tabor's four-star safety JaDon Blair will reveal his college choice on July 5. Blair, ranked No. 161 overall and No. 13 at his position, is considering Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan, South Carolina, Florida State, and Louisville.

Key Factors:

• Notre Dame: Life after football, degree weight, strong NIL opportunities, and family atmosphere.

• Penn State: Competitive defense and development under coach Anthony Poindexter.

• Michigan: Discipline and attention to detail.

• Florida State: Energetic coaching staff and detailed coaching from Pat Surtain.

• South Carolina: Favorable coaching from Shane Beamer and Torrian Gray.

Blair, who will announce his decision at his father's gym, seeks a program where he feels most comfortable and confident in his development.

Read more here

⭐️ Five-Star WR Kaliq Lockett Sets Commitment Date for August 7 ⭐️

Kaliq Lockett, a five-star wide receiver from Sachse (Texas), will announce his college decision on August 7, his mother's birthday.

Ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver nationally and No. 4 overall prospect in Texas, Lockett has recently concluded official visits to Texas and Alabama.

Top Contenders:

• Alabama: Lockett appreciated the Crimson Tide's late but strong entry into his recruitment.

• Florida State: Lockett was impressed by Mike Norvell's coaching background and the program's wide receiver development.

• LSU: Early leaders with a strong wide receiver tradition.

• Texas: Built a strong relationship with Lockett through consistent visits.

• Texas A&M: Family ties and the appeal of helping rebuild under Mike Elko.

Recruitment Journey:

Lockett has 31 offers, with significant interest from top programs. His junior year stats include 59 catches for 1,299 yards and 13 touchdowns. The decision date allows him to carefully consider his options.

Scouting Report:

Lockett is praised for his physical gifts, body control, and explosive acceleration. He is expected to be an impact player at the collegiate level with long-term NFL Draft potential.

Current Pulse:

Texas and Alabama are currently generating the most buzz, but Lockett is taking time to make a prudent decision.

Read more here

🏈 Four-Star LB Tavion Wallace Nears Commitment Decision 🏈

Tavion Wallace, a four-star linebacker from Jesup, GA, has concluded his official visits and is set to make his commitment on July 2. The 6-foot-1, 216-pound prospect will choose between Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Florida State.

Recruitment Highlights:

• Top Rankings: Wallace is a top 50 player nationally and the third-ranked linebacker in the 2025 class.

• FSU Leadership: Florida State has consistently led his recruitment, with Wallace citing strong relationships with Coach Mike Norvell and Coach Randy Shannon.

• Memorable Visit: Wallace's recent visit to FSU was highlighted by Norvell’s enthusiasm, which left a lasting impression.

Prediction:

• The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives FSU a 93.5% chance of landing Wallace, with expert predictions favoring the Seminoles.

Read more here

🏈 June Official Visits Propel FSU Recruiting Momentum 🏈

The Florida State Seminoles have emerged from June's official visits with significant recruiting momentum.

We recently secured commitments from four-star WR CJ Wiley and DL Kevin Wynn, boosting their class ranking to No. 15. The Seminoles are now targeting several other top prospects.

Key Targets:

• RB Byron Louis: FSU leads in his recruitment against Georgia and Miami.

• DB Gregory Thomas: Expected to choose FSU on Sunday.

• RB Ousmane Kromah: Auburn and Georgia are main competitors.

• OL Class: Five-star OL Josh Petty, Max Buchanan, and Peyton Joseph (decision on July 4) are top targets.

Other Notable Recruits:

• TE Hollis Davidson: Decision expected soon.

• WR Daylan McCutcheon: FSU remains in contention.

• WR Joshua Moore: Announcing today, with UF favored.

• WR Vernell Brown: FSU is a strong contender.

• DL Myron Charles: FSU still leads but faces competition.

• DE Jalen Wiggins and Jared Smith: FSU making strong pushes.

• LB Tavion Wallace: Decision on July 2.

• LB Zay Rainey-Sale: Announcing on July 1.

• DB Ladarian Clardy: FSU in good position.

With a strong showing in June, FSU is poised to potentially secure a top-10 recruiting class for 2025.

Read more here

⚾ FSU Baseball Lands Transfer Pitcher Grant Cherry

Florida State baseball secured its fifth transfer commitment with the addition of Grant Cherry from Long Beach State. The 6'3", 210-pound right-handed pitcher hails from Vestavia Hills, Ala.

In his junior season at LBSU, Cherry made 22 appearances, including one start, posting a 3.62 ERA with 38 strikeouts over 32.1 innings. Opponents hit just .212 against him.

Cherry joins fellow transfers RHP Evan Chrest, RHP Peyton Prescott, LHP Joey Volini, and OF Gage Harrelson, strengthening FSU's roster for the upcoming season.

Read more here

⚾ Florida State Baseball: 2024 Season Recap and Offseason Roster Updates ⚾

Season Highlights: Florida State finished as National Semifinalist with a 49-17 record, marking a significant turnaround from the previous season. Under Coach Link Jarrett, the team was the last standing from the ACC.

Transfer Additions:

• LHP Joey Volini (USF): 28.2 IP, 4.40 ERA, 26 K-14 BB.

• RHP Evan Chrest (JU): 159.1 IP, 4.46 ERA, 172 K-61 BB.

• RHP/UTIL Peyton Prescott (JU): 55.1 IP, 6.02 ERA, 46 K-22 BB; .190 AVG, .333 OBP, 7 RBI.

• OF Gage Harrelson (Texas Tech): .300 AVG, .809 OPS, 18 2B, 6 3B, 2 HR, 25 SB.

• RHP Grant Cherry (LBSU): 32.1 IP, 3.62 ERA, 38 K-18 BB.

High School/JUCO Recruits:

• JUCO: Blaydon Plain (1B/OF), Carter McCulley (INF), Mack Estrada (RHP), Nick Greaney (RHP), Aiden Butler (RHP).

• High School: Hunter Carns (C/OF), Chase Mobley (RHP), Myles Bailey (1B), Dylan Jordan (RHP), Noah Sheffield (INF), Matt Hoag (LHP), Jack Lines (MIF), Jace Estes (MIF), Rhett Vaughn (RHP).

Transfer Departures:

• So. INF Titan Kamaka: .233 AVG.

• Fr. MIF Spencer Butt: DNP - redshirted.

• Fr. C Riley Jackson: Played in eight games.

• Fr. OF Justin Best: DNP - redshirted.

• Fr. OF Matty Davis: Played in four games.

• Fr. 1B James Hankerson Jr.: DNP - redshirted.

• So. RHP Yoel Tejeda Jr.: 19.2 IP, 5.03 ERA.

• So. 1B Lance Trippel: .235 AVG.

• So. OF DeAmez Ross: .273 AVG, .723 OPS.

MLB Draft Prospects:

• Jr. OF James Tibbs: .363 AVG, 1.265 OPS, 28 HR.

• So. 3B Cam Smith: .387 AVG, 1.142 OPS, 16 HR.

• Jr. OF Jaime Ferrer: .317 AVG, 1.083 OPS, 22 HR.

• Jr. LHP Carson Dorsey: 76.1 IP, 4.60 ERA.

• Jr. RHP Gavin Adams: DNP - Tommy John Surgery.

• So. DH Marco Dinges: .323 AVG, .998 OPS, 15 HR.

• Jr. RHP Conner Whittaker: 59.2 IP, 5.28 ERA.

• Prep RHP Chase Mobley: Ranked No. 60 on Perfect Game's top 500 draft board.

• Prep C/OF Hunter Carns: Ranked No. 41 on PG's draft board.

• JUCO RHP Mack Estrada: 79.1 IP, 4.20 ERA.

Stay updated as the roster evolves through the offseason!

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our athletes and their unwavering dedication both on and off the field, it's clear that the spirit of excellence runs deep at Florida State.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and continue to support our Seminoles as they strive for greatness.

Go 'Noles!