Welcome to The Chief Brief!

From the greens to the court, and from the pitch to the pool, our Seminoles are making waves (and splashes) and setting records.

Here’s a glimpse into what this edition has in store:

🏌️‍♂️ Seminole Intercollegiate: FSU Men's Golf Takes the Lead: Dive into the intense competition at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club, where FSU's Men's Golf emerges with a lead, showcasing stellar performances and strategic excellence.

🥎 FSU Softball's Homestand Horizon: A Test of Strength and Skill: Gear up for an exhilarating homestand with the No. 16 ranked Seminoles softball team as they face top-tier opponents, including a high-stakes encounter against No. 10 Alabama.

🏐 FSU Beach Volleyball Sets Sights on FAU Tournament Triumphs: Join the No. 4 ranked FSU beach volleyball team as they prepare for a thrilling showcase at the FAU Tournament in Boca Raton, ready to face off against high-ranking opponents.

🏐 FSU's Khori Louis Shines with Selection to USA Volleyball Spring Training Camp: Celebrate Khori Louis's prestigious selection to train with the U.S. Women's National Team, highlighting her remarkable journey and contributions to FSU Volleyball.

⚾ FSU Baseball Faces Off Against No. 8 Florida in High-Stakes Matchup: Anticipate a pivotal showdown as the undefeated FSU baseball team puts their record on the line against the No. 8 ranked Florida Gators.

🏊‍♀️ Samantha Vear Secures Spot at NCAA Championships & Olympic Trials: Witness Samantha Vear's incredible achievement at the Zone B Championships, qualifying her for the NCAA Championships and earning a spot at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

🏈 FSU Engages South Florida Talent: EDGE Darryll Desir Visits Tallahassee: Explore FSU's strategic recruitment efforts in South Florida, featuring a visit from promising EDGE rusher Darryll Desir, and the potential impact on the Seminoles' roster.

🏌️‍♂️ Seminole Intercollegiate: FSU Men's Golf Takes the Lead

In a gripping display of skill and competition, the Seminole Intercollegiate Golf Tournament at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club has left spectators and competitors on the edge of their seats. The Florida State Men's Golf team emerged with a slender one-stroke lead, charting an impressive -11 against the formidable Ole Miss team, closely trailing at -10.

Luke Clanton's Stellar Performance: Sophomore sensation Luke Clanton has taken the tournament by storm, leading the pack with an outstanding -9. A remarkable second-round score of 65, featuring six birdies and an eagle on the 11th hole, catapulted him to a two-stroke advantage over his closest competitors.

FSU's Rising Stars: Tyler Weaver, another promising talent from FSU, is tied for second alongside Arkansas' Jacob Skov Olesen at -7. Weaver's day was highlighted by four birdies, showcasing the depth of talent within the FSU ranks.

Further bolstering FSU's standings are Jack Bigham and Cole Anderson, tied for eighth and fourteenth places, respectively, with Michael Mays rounding off the Seminoles' strong showing tied for seventeenth.

Team Excellence on Display: The Seminoles distinguished themselves as the only team to shoot under par on par 3 holes, a testament to their strategic play and exceptional skill. With a total of 37 birdies, FSU led the field, underlining their dominance and team cohesion.

Record-Breaking Performance by Ole Miss: Despite FSU's lead, Ole Miss's Michael La Sasso made headlines by setting a new course record at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club with a second-round score of 64, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.

As the final round approaches, with FSU teeing off at 9:40 a.m. led by Gray Albright and Sam Kodak starting at 8:30 a.m. for the individuals, anticipation builds.

🥎 FSU Softball's Homestand Horizon: A Test of Strength and Skill

The No. 16 ranked Florida State Seminoles softball team is gearing up for an exhilarating seven-game homestand at the Seminole Softball Complex, starting with double-header action against South Dakota State and a high-stakes encounter against No. 10 Alabama. This stretch promises to be a true display of FSU's mettle, with a schedule packed against top-tier opponents.

Epic Showdowns:

• Doubleheader Delight: The Noles kick things off against South Dakota State in a doubleheader, with broadcasts on ACCNX featuring Ariya Massoudi and Jack Kavovit.

• Prime-Time Power Match: The excitement continues as FSU hosts Alabama, a top 25 clash under the lights, with Beth Mowins and Michelle Smith providing insights on the ACC Network.

A Gauntlet of Games:

• Florida State faces a daunting task, hosting seven games in just eight days, with the majority against top 10 ranked powerhouses. This marks only the second occasion FSU has tackled such a rigorous lineup at home, showcasing their readiness for high-caliber competition.

Spotlight Success:

• Televised Triumphs: The Seminoles have proven their prowess in the spotlight, boasting an impressive 44-7 record in 51 televised games since 2022 and a 17-4 record against ranked opponents in their recent matchups.

• Dominant at Home: The Seminole Softball Complex has been a fortress for FSU, with a remarkable 133-17 home record since 2019, underlining their home field advantage.

Offensive Onslaught:

• Run Rampage: FSU's offense is firing on all cylinders, averaging 8.05 runs per game, ranking them among the nation's best. Their .350 team batting average speaks volumes of their hitting prowess.

• Historic Run Production: With 161 runs scored through the first 20 games, the team has set a new benchmark in FSU's fastpitch era, showcasing their ability to consistently cross the plate.

Players to Watch:

• Amaya Ross's Breakout: Known for her lightning-fast speed, Ross has become a pivotal part of FSU's lineup, contributing significantly to the team's scoring efforts.

• Jaysoni Beachum's Stellar Start: The Tallahassee native leads with a .477 batting average, demonstrating her critical role in FSU's offensive lineup.

• Kalei Harding's Hot Streak: Harding has been a force to reckon with, tying school records and showcasing her versatile playing skills across the field.

Pitching Prowess and Fresh Faces:

• Shutout Sensations: The Seminole pitchers, including Allison Royalty and Ashtyn Danley, have already recorded significant shutouts, including against top 10 teams.

• Rising Stars: The 2023 recruiting class has made an immediate impact, with all freshmen recording hits and starts, underscoring the depth and talent within the team.

🏐 FSU Beach Volleyball Sets Sights on FAU Tournament Triumphs

The No. 4 ranked Florida State beach volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting showcase at the FAU Tournament in Boca Raton, where they will face off against No. 15 FAU and FGCU. With a series of commanding victories under their belt, the Seminoles are primed for what promises to be a thrilling competition.

Weekend Warriors: Coming off a stellar weekend, FSU demonstrated their dominance by sweeping Houston Christian, No. 20 Tampa, Coastal Carolina, and FGCU with identical 5-0 scores. A particularly memorable moment came in their nail-biting victory over FGCU, where Maddie Anderson and Skyler Germann clinched court one in a thrilling three-set match, highlighting the competitive spirit and resilience of the team.

Facing FAU: The Seminoles' first challenge on Tuesday will be against FAU, a rematch from last April where FSU narrowly emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. With FAU currently holding an 8-3 record, including notable wins against ranked opponents, this match is anticipated to be a highlight of the tournament.

Strategic Encounters:

• Versus FAU: FSU looks to replicate their previous success against the Owls in what is expected to be a closely contested battle. FAU's recent victories over top teams like No. 12 Georgia State and No. 17 South Carolina only add to the anticipation.

• Rematch with FGCU: The Seminoles will face FGCU for the second and final time this season, aiming to maintain their perfect record against the Eagles. With FSU leading the all-time series 5-0, this match offers an opportunity to extend their winning streak.

Timings and Expectations:

• Match Schedule: The action kicks off against FAU at 10 a.m., followed by a match against FGCU at 12:30 p.m., setting the stage for a day filled with top-tier beach volleyball.

🏐 FSU's Khori Louis Shines with Selection to USA Volleyball Spring Training Camp

In an exceptional honor that underscores her talent and hard work, Florida State's rising senior middle blocker, Khori Louis, has been chosen as one of the elite collegiate volleyball players to participate in the USA Volleyball Spring Training Camp. This prestigious selection offers her a unique opportunity to train under the guidance of U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Karch Kiraly and his distinguished staff, including two stars from the 2020 Tokyo Games gold medalist team, outside hitter Jordan Larson and setter Jordyn Poulter.

Elite Training Opportunity:

• Louis will take her talents to the Open Gym Premier Facility in Anaheim, California, where she will be immersed in a training environment crafted by some of the best in the sport. This camp not only represents a significant milestone in her career but also a chance to refine her skills alongside some of volleyball's most respected figures.

Louis's Stellar FSU Career:

• Hailing from Tallahassee, Louis has been a standout performer for the Seminoles, earning her first All-American honors from both the American Volleyball Coaches Association and Volleyball Magazine in 2023.

• With a phenomenal .432 attacking percentage and an average of 2.94 points per set, Louis has been instrumental in FSU's success, helping lead the team to a share of the ACC regular season championship.

⚾ FSU Baseball Faces Off Against No. 8 Florida in High-Stakes Matchup

In a highly anticipated showdown, the undefeated Florida State baseball team is set to defend its perfect 14-0 record against the No. 8 ranked Florida Gators at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville. This Tuesday night clash promises to be a pivotal moment in FSU's impressive season, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.

Broadcast Details:

• Date & Time: Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

• TV Coverage: SEC Network

• Radio: Fans in Tallahassee can tune into WFLA 100.7 FM, while supporters nationwide can catch the action on the FSU Gameday app.

Pitching Matchup:

• FSU's Starting Pitcher: Senior LHP Andrew Armstrong (2-0, 0.00 ERA) is slated to lead the Seminoles, marking his second start of the season and fourth of his career. Armstrong has been impeccable on the mound, not allowing a single run over 4.1 innings pitched.

• UF's Counterpart: RHP Alex Philpott (2-0, 2.57 ERA) will take the mound for the Gators, setting the stage for an enthralling pitching duel.

Seminoles' Stellar Start:

• FSU's flawless start to the season places them among the elite, as one of only two remaining undefeated teams in the country. Ranked in four of five polls, the Seminoles' 14-0 record echoes their best start since 2018 and ties for the fourth-best start in the program's storied history.

FSU vs. Ranked Opponents:

• The matchup against Florida marks FSU's first encounter with a ranked opponent this season. The Seminoles have shown their road prowess, maintaining a perfect 4-0 away record with victories in Jacksonville and a clean sweep at the First Pitch Invitational in Greenville, South Carolina.

Looking Ahead:

• Following the clash with Florida, FSU is set to return home to Tallahassee for the start of ACC play, hosting Notre Dame on Friday. This game against the Gators will be a critical test for the Seminoles as they look to maintain their unbeaten streak and gear up for conference challenges.

🏊‍♀️ Samantha Vear Secures Spot at NCAA Championships & Olympic Trials

Florida State standout Samantha Vear clinched second place in the 3-meter dive at the Zone B Championships, qualifying her for the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships and earning a spot at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Competing at the University of Georgia, Vear showcased her prowess with scores leading to a total of 696.05 across prelims and finals.

Key Achievements:

• Vear's remarkable performance in both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard events highlights her second consecutive NCAA Championships qualification.

• Beyond NCAA, she achieved the standard for the U.S. Olympic Trials on the 3-meter, a notable milestone in her diving career.

Seminoles in Action:

• FSU's diving team demonstrated depth, with Kayleigh Clark showing resilience in the women’s 3-meter final and FSU's men advancing to finals in the men's 1-meter. Their performances underline the Seminoles' strong diving program.

Looking Ahead:

• Vear’s focus now shifts to the NCAA Championships, slated for March 20-23 at the University of Georgia, and the upcoming Olympic Trials in June at the University of Tennessee.

FSU Engages South Florida Talent: EDGE Darryll Desir Visits Tallahassee

Florida State Seminoles are strategically diving into the talent-rich waters of South Florida, showcasing their interest in 2025's three-star EDGE rusher, Darryll Desir. The Miami Norland standout, ranked within the top 40 edge rushers for his class, recently experienced the FSU campus vibe, further highlighting the Seminoles' recruitment endeavors in the area.

Campus Experience: Desir's visit to Tallahassee left a strong impression, particularly praising the coaching staff and the overall environment. "I loved the visit, especially the environment,” Desir reflected. His interaction with Coach John Papuchis (J.P.) was notably impactful, citing valuable insights on gameplay techniques. Desir's positive feedback underscores FSU's welcoming and instructive campus atmosphere.

Miami Norland Connection:

The Seminoles' recruitment ties to Miami Norland High School, Desir's alma mater, play a significant role. Notably, Jamari Howard, a top 100 defensive-back and recent Norland graduate, has shared his encouraging early experiences at FSU with Desir. Additionally, linebackers coach Randy Shannon, a Norland alumnus, represents another strong link between FSU and the Miami school.

Recruitment Journey:

Despite being in the early stages of his recruitment, Desir has caught the attention of several power conference programs, including Miami, Colorado, and Louisville, all offering scholarships to the promising EDGE rusher. However, the pursuit is still wide open, with FIU and Miami currently seen as frontrunners, yet without a clear leader.

Future Prospects: Desir remains proactive in his recruitment process, planning visits to LSU, Ole Miss, and Clemson, while maintaining communication with FSU in hopes of securing an offer from the in-state powerhouse.

And that’s a wrap!

Thanks for diving into this edition of The Chief Brief with us.

We've had a blast sharing the latest FSU triumphs and can't wait to bring you more.

Keep cheering, keep believing, and as always, let's keep the Seminole spirit soaring high.

Until next time, Go Noles! 🎉