Welcome to The Chief Brief!

We made it to the weekend Noles!

There’s a bunch happening across a variety of sports including many recruits visiting campus today.

Here’s the docket for you:

🏀 Seminoles Secure Semifinal Spot: FSU Triumphs Over No. 20 Syracuse 🏀
Discover how FSU's dynamic duo led the charge in a decisive victory, setting up a thrilling semifinal encounter against NC State.

🏌️‍♀️ Seminoles Shine at Valspar Augusta Invitational 🏌️‍♀️
Read about the FSU Women's Golf Team's resilience and skill, making a significant impact despite challenging weather conditions.

⚾ Seminoles' Stellar Start Continues: FSU Dominates New Orleans ⚾
Learn how FSU's baseball team maintained their perfect season with a blend of offensive firepower and pitching perfection.

🏐 Seminoles Continue Unbeaten Streak at Tampa Invitational 🏐
Catch up on the beach volleyball team's dominant performance, extending their winning streak and showcasing their depth.

🏀 Seminoles Set to Host Hurricanes in Fierce Rivalry Showdown 🏀
Get the scoop on the anticipated basketball matchup against Miami, where FSU aims to continue its impressive winning streak.

🌟 Seminoles to Host Top Talent on Campus 🌟
Meet the future stars visiting FSU this weekend, including standout talents like 5-star WR Kaliq Lockett and 4-star QB Faizon Brandon, set to make waves in the years to come.

🏀 Seminoles Secure Semifinal Spot: FSU Triumphs Over No. 20 Syracuse 🏀

In a thrilling Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinal, the Florida State Seminoles showcased their prowess with a commanding 78-65 victory over No. 20 Syracuse Friday night. This win not only avenged a past tournament heartbreak but also propelled the sixth-seeded Seminoles (23-9) into a highly anticipated semifinal clash against the second-seeded and No. 10-ranked North Carolina State.

A Game of Redemption:
The victory served as sweet revenge for the Seminoles, who had previously fallen to Syracuse in a nail-biting quarterfinal in 2021. This time, FSU dominated from the start, never trailing and eventually stretching their lead to as much as 27 points in the fourth quarter.

Dynamic Duo Leads the Charge:
Ta'Niya Latson and O'Mariah Gordon were the stars of the night, scoring 25 and a career-high 24 points, respectively. Their stellar performances were pivotal in FSU's balanced attack, with Latson's efficiency from the field (10 of 18) and Gordon's sharpshooting (9 of 16, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc) leading the way.

Dominance on the Boards:
FSU's rebounding was a critical factor in their victory, outrebounding Syracuse 50-35. This effort was highlighted by Makayla Timpson's impressive 18 rebounds, complementing her 10 points and contributing to the Seminoles' 24 second-chance points.

Contributions Across the Board:
Sara Bejedi also made her mark with 10 points, rounding out a solid team performance that underscored FSU's depth and determination.

🏌️‍♀️ Seminoles Shine at Valspar Augusta Invitational 🏌️‍♀️

The Florida State Women's Golf Team, led by Sophomore All-American Mirabel Ting, is making waves at the 18th Annual Valspar Augusta Invitational. Despite weather delays and a revised schedule, the No. 21 ranked Seminoles are tied for seventh place, showcasing resilience and skill on the green.

Weather Woes and Schedule Shifts: Initially set for a weekend showdown, the tournament's schedule was adjusted due to weather concerns, leading to an unconventional start and a suspenseful suspension of play due to darkness. The Seminoles, adaptable and focused, navigated the changes with commendable poise.

Ting's Terrific Performance: Mirabel Ting, in her first year with FSU after transferring from Augusta University, is just one stroke behind the individual leader, demonstrating exceptional consistency and skill. Her familiarity with the course shines through, positioning her as a strong contender for the individual championship.

Team Effort and Standings: The team's collective effort is evident, with significant contributions from senior Charlotte Heath, who leaped 23 places up the leaderboard, and Alice Hodge, whose stellar performance in the second round propelled her up 29 spots. Their achievements underscore the depth and talent within the Seminole squad.

⚾ Seminoles' Stellar Start Continues: FSU Dominates New Orleans ⚾

The Florida State Seminoles baseball team extended their perfect season to 12-0 with a commanding 13-0 victory over New Orleans, kicking off their three-game series at Dick Howser Stadium in spectacular fashion. This win not only highlights FSU's offensive firepower but also their pitching prowess, marking the team's second shutout this season.

Offensive Onslaught: The Seminoles' bats were on fire, with sophomore Alex Lodise leading the charge by going 4-for-4, including a double and a home run, contributing three RBIs. Marco Dinges and Jaime Ferrer also delivered home runs, showcasing FSU's deep hitting talent. Cam Smith continued his exceptional season, maintaining a .500 batting average.

Pitching Perfection: Cam Leiter, FSU's right-handed sophomore, was once again a standout on the mound, improving his record to 3-0. His six strikeouts over six innings played a crucial role in securing the shutout, lowering his season ERA to an impressive 2.70.

Historic Start: This victory underscores FSU's best start since 2019, positioning them as one of the three remaining undefeated Division I teams. The Seminoles' ability to score early and often has been a key factor in their success, with the team averaging 12.0 runs per game.

Noteworthy Performances: Alongside Lodise's standout game, Jaime Ferrer and Marco Dinges have shown remarkable consistency and power, contributing significantly to FSU's offensive depth. James Tibbs III's extra-base hits and Cam Smith's extended hitting streak further demonstrate the Seminoles' hitting prowess.

Looking Ahead: With inclement weather prompting a schedule adjustment, the Seminoles are set to face New Orleans again on Saturday evening.

🏐 Seminoles Continue Unbeaten Streak at Tampa Invitational 🏐

The No. 4 Florida State beach volleyball team showcased their dominance with two more 5-0 sweeps against Houston Christian and No. 20 Tampa, elevating their perfect record to 9-0 for the 2024 season. These victories at the Tampa Invitational highlight the Seminoles' exceptional performance and strategy on the sand.

Dominant Displays: FSU's comprehensive wins were marked by strong performances across all courts, particularly from junior Audrey Koenig and graduate student Raelyn White, who showcased their prowess in a commanding second set against Houston Christian.

Continued Excellence: The team's consistency was on full display as they replicated their success against Tampa, with Maddie Anderson and Skyler Germann closing the day with a decisive victory.

Looking Forward: The Seminoles are set to face Coastal Carolina and FGCU in Saturday's matchups, aiming to extend their winning streak and continue their impressive run in the 2024 season.

🏀 Seminoles Set to Host Hurricanes in Fierce Rivalry Showdown 🏀

With an impressive track record of winning two straight and dominating 11 out of the last 12 games against Miami, FSU is looking to continue its mastery. The rivalry, reignited with an 84-75 victory earlier this season in Coral Gables, has been a testament to FSU's prowess, especially at home with a solid 5-1 record and a flawless 6-0 at the Watsco Center.

🏆 Senior Day Salute: Honoring Eight Seminole Heroes 🏆

Today's match isn't just about extending winning streaks; it's also a heartfelt farewell to eight senior Seminoles who have left an indelible mark on our program. Sola Adebisi, Cam Fletcher, Jaylan Gainey, Darin Green Jr., Josh Nickelberry, Isaac Spainhour, Max Thorpe, and Jamir Watkins will be celebrated at center court for their commitment and contributions. Join us in applauding their journey as we say a proud "thank you."

🏀 Coach Leonard Hamilton: A Legacy of Excellence 🏀

The spotlight shines on Coach Hamilton as he's set to receive the prestigious NABC Golden Anniversary Award on April 7. This accolade celebrates over 50 years of his unwavering dedication to basketball, recognizing him alongside the sport's legends at the NCAA Final Four in Phoenix.

📈 Hamilton Eyes Historic Milestone in ACC Lore 📈

As we face Miami, Coach Hamilton is on the cusp of tying for fourth place in ACC history with his 192nd career regular season win, matching the legendary Gary Williams. A testament to his leadership, Hamilton's vision has propelled FSU into the upper echelons of ACC history, marking him as a figure of excellence and resilience.

🎉 Senior Day Under Hamilton: A Tradition of Victory 🎉

Senior Day has been a fortress of success under Coach Hamilton, with FSU securing wins in eight of the last nine celebrations. Since 2003, the Seminoles boast an impressive 17-4 record, demonstrating a tradition of honoring our seniors with victory. Notably, FSU has emerged victorious in both Senior Day matchups against Miami, adding a special layer of anticipation for today's game.

🏀 Looking Ahead: The Road to the ACC Tournament 🏀

Post today's clash, the Seminoles set their sights on the ACC Tournament, taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., from March 9-12. The tournament seeds and our first opponent will be unveiled soon, marking the next chapter in our quest for glory.

🥎 Seminole Softball Shines with Historic Home Run Display 🥎

In an afternoon that felt more like a home run derby, the No. 16 Florida State softball team (12-4) launched a record-tying four homers in a single inning, contributing to a total of five over the game, to claim a 7-3 victory against Purdue (10-9) in Fort Myers, Florida.

Despite an early 3-0 deficit, FSU's batters quickly turned the tide. Jaysoni Beachum and Kalei Harding sparked the rally with back-to-back homers, narrowing the gap. Michaela Edenfield then set the stage for Isa Torres, who, with two outs, sent a rocket over the right field fence, flipping the score to 4-3 in favor of the Seminoles. Hallie Wacaser's solo home run further extended our lead, demonstrating the depth of our lineup's power.

This electrifying start matched the school's record for most homers in an inning, a feat last achieved against USF in the 2019 Tallahassee Regional.

🏆 Continuing the Momentum 🏆

The Seminoles didn't stop there, adding another run in the third inning through a combination of skillful base running and Purdue's defensive errors. Wacaser later showcased her power again in the fifth inning with her second homer of the game, marking her third of the season and her second career multi-home run game.

This display of power wasn't just impressive; it was historic, with FSU's five homers marking the most in a game since a seven-homer performance against NC State in May 2022.

🥎 Pitching Excellence Seals the Deal 🥎

Following the first inning, FSU's pitchers, Ashtyn Danley and Makenna Reid, dominated the mound, allowing just one hit over the final six innings. Danley's stellar performance earned her a well-deserved win, improving her season record to 3-0.

🌟 Seminoles to Host Top Talent on Campus 🌟

This Saturday marks a pivotal moment for FSU's future as the campus becomes the focal point for numerous promising athletes. Here's a quick look at the expected visitors:

• 4-star QB Faizon Brandon (2026)

• RB Amari Clemons (2026)

• 5-star WR Kaliq Lockett

• 4-star WR Calvin Russell (2026)

• 4-star WR Davion Brown (2026)

• WR Malachi Toney (2026) (Miami commitment)

• TE Javar Bowden (2026)

• 4-star OL Tavaris Dice

• OL Matthew Parker

• 3-star Edge Mandrell Desir

• 3-star Edge Darryll Desir

• Edge Anthony Addison

• Edge Jaquavious Dodd

• 5-star DT Justus Terry

• 4-star DT Kevin Wynn

• LB Desmond Johnson (2026)

• 4-star CB Terrance Edwards

• CB Jalon Copeland (2026)

• ATH Bryant Junius (2026)

Highlighting the List: Kaliq Lockett & Faizon Brandon

🏈 Kaliq Lockett: A Receiver with Unmatched Ball Skills 🏈

Kaliq Lockett, hailing from Sachse, is not just any receiver. Described by Coach Mark Behrens as having NFL-level ball skills, Lockett's junior year stats are staggering: 59 receptions, 1,299 yards, and 13 touchdowns. His 6-foot-7 catch radius and ability to high point the ball make him a defensive nightmare. Lockett is a game-changer FSU fans should be excited about.

🏈 Faizon Brandon: The Quarterback Prodigy 🏈

Sophomore QB Faizon Brandon is turning heads with his impressive first-year starter stats: a 13-1 record, 3,026 passing yards with 36 TDs, and an additional 528 rushing yards. With 16 total offers from top programs, including FSU, Brandon's athleticism and precision make him one of the most exciting recruits in the class of 2026.

And that’s a wrap!

Whether it's the triumphs on the court, the green, or the sand, the Seminole spirit shines brightly, fueled by talent, determination, and your unwavering support.

We look forward to bringing you more stories of excellence, achievement, and the relentless pursuit of victory each morning.

Until next time, keep cheering, stay engaged, and remember—once a Seminole, always a Seminole.

Go Noles! 🍢🏹