Welcome to The Chief Brief!

It’s the first Thursday in March and we’ve got a good variety for you today.

From the diamond to the court, and from the field to the pool, FSU's athletes are making waves and setting records.

Here's what’s on the docket today:

🔥 Seminoles Dominate FGCU in Midweek Showdown

Get the scoop on Florida State's baseball team's crushing victory over Florida Gulf Coast, including standout performances and what this means for their undefeated season.

🏆 Baseball Highlights and Upcoming Challenges

Dive into the key moments from the game against FGCU, including personal bests and the team's offensive prowess, as we look ahead to the challenges FSU faces next.

🏃‍♂️ FSU Gears Up for NCAA Indoor Championships 🏃‍♀️

Find out which Seminoles are heading to Boston for the 2024 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, and learn about their chances for glory.

⚾ Seminoles Swing South for FGCU Spring Break Classic ⚾

Discover what's in store for the No. 16 FSU Seminoles as they compete in the FGCU Spring Break Classic, including their impressive track record and key players to watch.

🏊 Seminoles Dive Into NCAA Championships at Georgia

Learn about the FSU women's swimming and diving team's preparation for the 2024 NCAA Championships, including spotlight competitors and the team's aspirations.

🏀 Seminoles Set for ACC Women's Basketball Tournament Showdown

Catch up on the No. 6 seed Florida State Women's Basketball team's journey in the ACC Tournament, including season highlights and what lies ahead.

🏈 FSU Coaching Carousel: Kiffin Eyed as Norvell's Potential Successor

Read about the behind-the-scenes actions following Nick Saban's retirement from Alabama and how FSU's Mike Norvell was a top candidate, including FSU's backup plan involving Lane Kiffin.

🏈 FSU's Darrick Yray Named 2023 Player Personnel Director of the Year

Celebrate Darrick Yray's recognition as the 2023 Player Personnel Director of the Year and his contributions to FSU's football success.

🏀 Four-Star PG Daquan Davis Zeroes in on FSU and Georgia Tech

Dive into the recruitment journey of four-star point guard Daquan Davis as he narrows his choices to FSU and Georgia Tech, with insights into his decision-making process.

🔥 Seminoles Dominate FGCU in Midweek Showdown 🔥

Florida State's baseball team delivered a commanding performance against Florida Gulf Coast, securing a 19-3 victory and maintaining an unblemished 11-0 season record, including a spotless 7-0 at home.

The Seminoles' offensive firepower was on full display, setting season highs with four home runs and 18 hits. Cam Smith led the charge, going 3-for-4, including his third home run of the season, bringing his batting average to an impressive .500 (25-for-50).

Jaime Ferrer contributed significantly with his first career grand slam, while Alex Lodise and Marco Dinges each added homers, with Dinges also notching four RBIs. Pitcher Conner Whittaker (2-0) overcame early adversity, striking out nine and retiring 15 consecutive batters after FGCU's initial surge.

This game was a testament to FSU's potent offense and resilient pitching, underlining their status as one of the five remaining undefeated Division I teams. The victory was highlighted by numerous individual and team milestones, including season-high hits and runs, and career-best performances from Ferrer and Dinges.

The Seminoles look to extend their winning streak as they host New Orleans in a three-game series starting Friday at 5:00 p.m., aiming to continue their historic start to the season.

🏆 Season Highlights and Upcoming Challenges 🏆

• Florida State's season-high four home runs and 18 hits underscored their offensive depth.

• Jaime Ferrer's grand slam and five RBIs marked personal bests, showcasing his critical role in FSU's lineup.

• Pitcher Conner Whittaker showcased resilience and skill, bouncing back from early home runs to secure his second win.

• The Seminoles' undefeated streak places them among the elite in Division I baseball, with an 11-0 start for the 12th time in program history.

• Up next, FSU faces New Orleans in a promising three-game series, looking to bolster their impeccable record further.

🏃‍♂️ FSU Gears Up for NCAA Indoor Championships 🏃‍♀️

Florida State is sending 5 athletes to Boston for the 2024 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships from March 7-9.

Sprinting to Success: DeFrand and Walker's Quest for Glory

Dejaz DeFrand and Shenese Walker are primed to lead FSU's charge in the sprints. DeFrand's outstanding season includes the nation's eighth-fastest 60m time and the 11th fastest in the 200m. Walker, the ACC 60m champion, boasts impressive times that place her among FSU's all-time greats.

Leaping Forward: Davis, Turner, and Mullarkey Eyeing the Podium

Jeremiah Davis is a formidable contender in both the long and triple jumps, holding one of the nation's top marks in each event.

Jordan Turner and David Mullarkey round out FSU's contenders, with Turner making his mark in the long jump and Mullarkey setting a new school record in the 3,000m.

Coach Bob Braman believes in the team's potential to make a significant impact, aiming for a top-10 finish.

⚾ Seminoles Swing South for FGCU Spring Break Classic ⚾

The No. 16 Florida State Seminoles are gearing up for an action-packed weekend in Fort Myers, Florida, as they're set to compete in the FGCU Spring Break Classic. The Seminoles, boasting an 11-4 record, are ready to face a challenging lineup of teams, including host FGCU (10-8), Purdue (9-8), and Western Michigan (8-6). Here's what FSU fans need to know about the upcoming five-game series:

Where to Watch:

• FSU vs. FGCU matchups will be live on ESPN+.

• Keep up with the action against Purdue and Western Michigan on statbroadcast.com.

Game Schedule:

• Versus Purdue: Kicking off at 12:15 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. the following day.

• Versus FGCU: Catch the games at 5 p.m. (ESPN+) and a follow-up at 3 p.m. (ESPN+).

• Versus Western Michigan: A midday showdown at 12:30 p.m.

Dominant History: The Seminoles have a commanding lead over their upcoming opponents, with a combined record of 19-1. This includes a flawless 10-0 against FGCU, a sturdy 6-1 lead over Purdue, and a victory in their sole encounter with Western Michigan back in 2006.

Offense on Fire: FSU's batting lineup has been nothing short of spectacular, with a .365 team average and an impressive 7.87 runs per game. Their 118 runs this season mark the best start since 1978, showcasing the depth and talent of the roster.

Spotlight on Players:

• Amaya Ross: Known for her blazing speed, Ross has expanded her role to become a crucial part of the lineup, boasting a .667 batting average with 10 hits and six RBIs recently.

• Jaysoni Beachum: The Tallahassee native leads with a .511 batting average, showcasing her power with four home runs and a team-high 16 RBIs.

• Kalei Harding: Off to a hot start, Harding is hitting .385 with significant contributions, including a career-high tying four hits against UCLA.

• Isa Torres: Stepping up at shortstop, Torres is hitting .375 and has made several highlight-reel defensive plays.

• Jahni Kerr: After overcoming early challenges, Kerr is back, hitting .435 with 15 RBIs, contributing significantly to FSU's lineup.

Freshman Phenoms: The highly touted 2023 recruiting class is living up to expectations, with Jaysoni Beachum leading the charge as Softball America's Freshman of the Month for February.

🏊 Seminoles Dive Into NCAA Championships at Georgia 🏊

The Florida State women's swimming and diving team is set to make a splash at the 2024 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, hosted at the prestigious Gabrielsen Natatorium at the University of Georgia, from March 20-23. Seven outstanding Seminoles will take to the water, showcasing their skills and aiming for top honors in a range of individual and relay events.

Spotlight on Competitors:

• Maddy Huggins, Edith Jernstedt, and Jenny Halden will compete individually, bringing their season's best performances to the forefront of this national competition.

• The team is also gearing up for dynamic performances in the 200 and 400 medleys, as well as the 400 free relay, promising thrilling action for FSU fans.

Coach's Corner: FSU head coach Neal Studd shared his excitement, "We're really excited for the ladies. We've had an amazing year and we're hoping to cap it off with a great finish. With three relays going and potentially adding some diving, we're looking forward to making a significant impact."

Individual Accolades:

• Edith Jernstedt: Making her third NCAA Championships appearance, Jernstedt is a formidable competitor in the 100 and 200 fly, and 200 IM, boasting season-best times and a record of exemplary performances.

• Maddy Huggins: With top times in the 100 and 200 breast, Huggins is a key player, making her second NCAA appearance and holding FSU's third-fastest 100 breast time.

• Jenny Halden: A veteran of the NCAA meets, Halden will compete in the 100 fly and possibly the 100 back, building on her career-best times.

Relay Teams to Watch:

• Sarah Evans: Back/Free specialist and a pivotal part of the medley relays, Evans brings her best to her first NCAA Championships.

• Phoebe Griffiths: Leading off the 400 free relay, Griffiths has shown exceptional speed, marking her first NCAAs as one to remember.

• Gloria Muzito: A seasoned NCAA competitor, Muzito anchors FSU's nationally qualified relays, bringing her international experience to the fore.

• Maysa Ratiu: The promising freshman makes her NCAA debut, bringing top times in the 200 and 100 free, and adding depth to FSU's relay efforts.

As the Seminoles prepare to dive into competition, the spotlight is not only on the swimmers but also on the divers, who aim to qualify for nationals at the NCAA Zone B Championships.

🏀 Seminoles Set for ACC Women's Basketball Tournament Showdown 🏀

Tip-Off Alert: The No. 6 seed Florida State Women's Basketball team is ready to hit the court in the ACC Tournament's second round, facing off against No. 14 seed Wake Forest. Catch the action on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on the ACC Network.

Season Highlights:

• Impressive ACC Record: FSU maintains its competitive edge with a 12-6 ACC play record for the second year running, marking a significant achievement not seen since the 2016-18 seasons.

• Star Players: Ta'Niya Latson and Makayla Timpson earn All-ACC First Team honors. Latson boasts six 30-point games, while Timpson leads in blocks, showcasing their remarkable talent.

• Offensive Powerhouse: Under Coach Bill Ferrara’s strategy, FSU leads the ACC in scoring, averaging 76.2 possessions and only 11.7 turnovers per game, highlighting their efficient play.

• Winning Tradition: FSU celebrates its 10th consecutive winning season in ACC play, a testament to the team's consistent excellence.

Record Watch:

• Makayla Timpson is on the brink of setting a new FSU record with her next double-double, potentially surpassing WNBA All-Star Natasha Howard’s single-season record.

Coaching Excellence:

• Brooke Wyckoff, in her third tournament appearance as head coach, continues to lead FSU to surpass expectations, demonstrating her strategic prowess and leadership.

Looking Ahead: The Seminoles, boasting a strong finish with a 7-2 record in their last nine games, are eager to advance, holding a positive season record against Wake Forest.

🏈 FSU Coaching Carousel: Kiffin Eyed as Norvell's Potential Successor 🏈

A recent report revealed the behind-the-scenes actions following Nick Saban's unexpected retirement from Alabama. With FSU's Mike Norvell and former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer leading the pack as the Crimson Tide's top candidates, the football world was abuzz with speculation.

Alabama's Coaching Search: Greg Byrne, Alabama's athletic director, was on a mission to find Saban's successor, eyeing Norvell and DeBoer for their proven track records and player development skills. ESPN Senior Writer Chris Low detailed the whirlwind 49-hour search in his article, highlighting Byrne's "serious discussions" with both coaches immediately after Saban's announcement.

While Byrne and his wife jetted to Seattle to court DeBoer, discussions with Norvell also heated up, causing a stir within FSU's officials over the possibility of losing their head coach to Alabama. Ultimately, DeBoer clinched the Crimson Tide role, leaving the Seminoles and their fans relieved.

Lane Kiffin in the Wings: Amidst the uncertainty, FSU was prepared to act swiftly had Norvell departed for Tuscaloosa. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss' head coach, emerged as FSU's top pick to fill the potential vacancy. Kiffin's name was synonymous with rapid transitions and offensive prowess, making him an intriguing option for the Seminoles.

Norvell Stays with FSU: Despite the swirling rumors, Norvell's commitment to FSU remained unshaken. Shortly after the talks with Alabama, FSU announced a significant eight-year contract extension for Norvell, securing his future with the Seminoles with an annual salary exceeding $10 million. This move not only quelled the rumors but also cemented Norvell's status as a cornerstone of FSU's football program and we are stoked about it.

🏈 FSU's Darrick Yray Named 2023 Player Personnel Director of the Year 🏈

In a significant accolade for Florida State football, general manager Darrick Yray has been crowned the 2023 Player Personnel Director of the Year by FootballScoop. This prestigious recognition comes as a testament to Yray's instrumental role in shaping FSU's unbeatable roster through the regular season and ACC Championship Game, leading the Seminoles to an impressive undefeated streak.

Yray's Impact at FSU:

• Joined FSU from Oregon State in the 2022 offseason.

• Under his guidance, FSU boasts a remarkable 23-4 record over the past two seasons.

• Spearheaded FSU's success in the Transfer Portal, securing top talent like WR Keon Coleman, DT Braden Fiske, and TE Jaheim Bell.

• FSU's proactive and strategic approach in the Portal under Yray's leadership has been critical to the team's unmatched performance.

Recognition from the Top: Coach Mike Norvell praised Yray, highlighting his essential role in personnel management and his knack for talent evaluation, relationship building, and navigating the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Congratulations to Darrick Yray and the entire FSU football staff on this well-deserved honor!

🏀 Four-Star PG Daquan Davis Zeroes in on FSU and Georgia Tech 🏀

Daquan Davis, a sought-after four-star point guard, has officially narrowed down his recruitment journey to two final contenders: Georgia Tech and Florida State.

With his commitment date set for Sunday, March 24th, the anticipation is building on where this talented senior will land.

Having previously committed to Providence, Davis took a step back to reassess his options in late October, sparking interest across the basketball landscape.

Inside Davis's Recruitment:

• Georgia Tech's Appeal: Davis is drawn to Georgia Tech, especially by head coach Damon Stoudamire's illustrious career as a point guard. Davis sees a unique opportunity for personal growth under Stoudamire, stating, "So me playing for him would help me develop into a NBA guard I feel.”

• Florida State's Charm: FSU left a strong impression on Davis, highlighting the team's dynamic playstyle and Coach Leonard Hamilton's leadership. Davis noted, "The Florida State visit was good...My favorite part about the visit was me getting to know coach Hamilton more."

A Stellar Season: Playing for Overtime Elite in Georgia, the Baltimore native has showcased his exceptional skills on the court, averaging 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game this season.

Rankings and Prospects: Ranked as the No. 103 overall prospect and the No. 13 point guard in the 2024 cycle by the On3 Industry Rankings, Davis's commitment is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.

And that’s a wrap!

We’ve got some national championships coming up, potential commits in all sports, and some hot bats in softball and baseball.

Until next time, keep the Seminole spirit alive and thriving.

Go Noles!