🏹 May 30th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Kickoff Clarity, Recruiting Heats Up, and Record-Setting Performances Galore

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The Chief
May 30, 2025

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

TGIF, Seminole!

It's a loaded Friday with postseason fireworks, recruiting shakeups, and another round of Seminole greatness.

🔥 On the track, Kaelyaah Liburd shattered a national record while Curtis Williams punched his NCAA ticket in the long jump. FSU sends 10 more athletes into quarterfinal action this weekend.

⚽ In the soccer world, Ashlyn Puerta just became the fourth Nole from the 2024 team to go pro — signing with USL Super League’s Sporting Club Jacksonville.

⛳ Mirabel Ting capped off a historic season by being named WGCA National Player of the Year, adding to her ANNIKA Award and cementing her place atop collegiate golf.

📺 Football kickoff times dropped for four key matchups — including a noon showdown vs. East Texas A&M and a prime-time Friday game at NC State.

🏈 Five-star QB Keisean Henderson is officially visiting Tallahassee, joining a trio of blue-chip quarterbacks FSU is chasing hard this summer.

🛡️ Five-star LB Xavier Griffin has the Noles in his Final Four ahead of a June 29 decision. Alabama is the favorite — but FSU is in striking distance.

🏀 One of the top frontcourt players in America, Chamiah Francis, will take her official to FSU on October 10. The 6’3” center is a force in the paint and a must-get for Brooke Wyckoff’s squad.

⚾ And on the diamond, Joey Volini gets the nod as the Game 1 starter in the Tallahassee Regional. FSU opens NCAA Tournament play vs. Bethune-Cookman today at 3:02 p.m.

Let’s dive in — it’s a good time to be a Nole. 👇

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🏃‍♀️ Liburd Sets National Record, 6 Noles Advance at NCAA East Prelims 🏃‍♀️

Kaelyaah Liburd made history Thursday, breaking the British Virgin Islands national record in the 400m with a blistering 51.43 — surpassing a mark that had stood since 2007. Her performance was the fifth-fastest of the day and earned her a spot in Saturday’s quarterfinal.

🔥 More Highlights:
• Shenese Walker (11.02) and Joella Lloyd (11.10) both advanced in the 100m — Walker’s time ranks No. 2 in FSU history.
• Suus Altorf placed 6th in the 1500m (4:13.25)
• Tyra Wilson posted a 56.32 in the 400m hurdles — 5th-fastest qualifying time.

On the men’s side, FSU will send six athletes to the quarterfinals on Friday. Curtis Williams already punched his NCAA ticket in the long jump with a 10th-place finish.

🏃 Curtis Williams Punches NCAA Ticket, 4 More Noles Advance 🏃

Despite a five-hour weather delay, Curtis Williams came through — earning a spot at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a 10th-place finish (7.59m) in the long jump. He’ll represent the Noles in Eugene, Oregon, June 11–14.

🔥 Other Highlights from Day 1:
• Tyson Williams (13.78) and Andre Korbmacher (13.83) both advanced in the 110m hurdles
• Neo Mosebi: Qualified in the 100m with a 10.35
• Micahi Danzy: Clocked 45.97 in the 400m, advancing to Friday’s quarterfinal

FSU’s women’s squad kicks off competition Thursday, starting with the long jump at 1:00 p.m.

⚽ Ashlyn Puerta Signs Pro Deal with Sporting Club Jacksonville ⚽

Another Nole is going pro.

Freshman midfielder Ashlyn Puerta has signed with Sporting Club Jacksonville, making her one of the first players ever announced for the USL Super League expansion franchise. She’s the fourth FSU player from the 2024 team to join the professional ranks.

📊 Puerta’s 2024 Impact:
• 4 goals, 5 assists in 21 appearances
• Known for highlight-reel strikes vs. Rice and SMU
• Member of FSU’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class (TopDrawerSoccer)

🌎 International Pedigree:
Puerta has played for the U.S. at multiple youth levels and will suit up for the U-20s at the 2025 CONCACAF Championship alongside teammate Peyton McGovern.

Sporting Jax begins its inaugural season on August 23 vs. DC Power FC.

⛳ Mirabel Ting Named WGCA National Player of the Year After Historic Season ⛳

One of the most dominant seasons in FSU history just got its crown.

Florida State junior Mirabel Ting has been named the Division I Ping WGCA Player of the Year, adding to her ANNIKA Award honor and solidifying her status as the No. 1 collegiate golfer in the nation.

🔥 Ting by the Numbers:
• 68.77 stroke average – best in the NCAA & FSU history
• 5 individual titles in 9 events
• 25 of 26 rounds at par or better
• 80 strokes under par across the season
• Finished 2nd at NCAA Championship, helping FSU place 3rd as a team

📈 World Rankings:
• No. 1 NCAA ranking (Scoreboard by Clippd)
• No. 2 World Amateur Golf Ranking — just behind teammate Lottie Woad

🏆 Team Milestones Under Coach Amy Bond:
• 7 tournament wins (FSU record)
• First ACC Championship in program history
• Best NCAA finish ever (3rd place)

📺 Kickoff Times Announced for Four FSU Football Games 📺

We’ve got kickoff clarity for a few key matchups on the 2025 slate.

Florida State’s September 6 home game vs. East Texas A&M will start at 12:00 PM and air on ACC Network, while three road game times were also locked in on Thursday:

🗓️ Key Broadcast Dates:
• Aug. 30 vs. Alabama – 3:30 PM on ABC
• Sept. 6 vs. East Texas A&M – 12:00 PM on ACCN
• Sept. 26 at Virginia (Fri) – 7:00 PM on ESPN
• Oct. 18 at Stanford – 10:30 PM on ESPN
• Nov. 21 at NC State (Fri) – 8:00 PM on ESPN

🎯 Note: The rest of FSU’s kickoff times will be announced as the season progresses.

🔥 5⭐ QB Keisean Henderson Sets FSU Official Visit 🔥

FSU is firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s best.

Five-star quarterback Keisean Henderson, the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class, has locked in his official visit to Tallahassee for June 9–11, per Noles247.

🏈 The Breakdown:
• 6’3”, 185 lbs | Dual-threat QB from Spring (TX) Legacy
• Houston commit since May 2024, but FSU’s interest is heating up
• Threw for 2,689 yards and 25 TDs as a junior, with 347 rushing yards and 7 more scores
• Named MVP of the Navy All-American Bowl in January

🔍 Why It Matters:
Henderson is a perfect scheme fit for new OC Gus Malzahn’s offense and would instantly elevate FSU’s 2026 QB room. He joins Landon Duckworth and Oklahoma commit Jaden O’Neal as the three QBs set to officially visit FSU this summer.

🛡️ 5⭐ LB Xavier Griffin Puts FSU in Final Four Ahead of June Decision 🛡️

The No. 1 linebacker in America has FSU squarely in the mix.

Xavier Griffin, the No. 8 overall prospect and top-ranked LB in the 2026 class, has trimmed his list to Alabama, Florida State, Texas, and Ohio State ahead of his June 29 commitment date.

🏈 The Rundown:
• 6’3”, 200 lbs | Gainesville (GA) High School
• Former USC commit; decommitted May 14
• 2023: 54 tackles, 15 sacks | 2024: 29 tackles, 13 TFLs (in just 8 games)

🏆 Recruiting Buzz:
Griffin has strong Alabama ties, but FSU remains in striking distance. National analysts say Alabama leads for now, but Mike Norvell and staff will get their shot on an official visit this June.

📈 Scouting Comparison: Jihaad Campbell meets Sonny Styles — versatile, explosive, and built for modern defenses.

🏀 5⭐ Center Chamiah Francis Locks in FSU Visit for October 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball will host one of the top bigs in the 2026 class this fall.

Chamiah Francis, a 6’3” center from Pensacola’s Booker T. Washington High School, has scheduled an official visit to FSU for October 10 as part of a six-stop recruiting tour.

🎯 The Rundown:
• No. 25 overall prospect | No. 3 center in the 2026 class
• Official visits: Notre Dame (Aug. 31), Alabama (Sept. 6), Duke (Sept. 19), Ole Miss (Sept. 27), FSU (Oct. 10), UNC (Oct. 25)
• Plans to take her time evaluating options before committing

🧠 Scouting Take (via Brandon Clay):
“She’s a force inside. Legit high-major size and athleticism. Her energy around the rim changes games.”

FSU has a shot to make a major impression this fall.

⚾ Volini Named Game 1 Starter as FSU Opens NCAA Tournament Friday ⚾

Florida State Baseball kicks off its postseason push today — and Joey Volini is getting the ball.

Head coach Link Jarrett announced Thursday that Volini will start Game 1 of the Tallahassee Regional vs. Bethune-Cookman at 3:02 p.m. on ACC Network.

🧢 Quick Stats:
• 3.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, .229 BAA in 77.2 IP
• 95 Ks, 25 BBs in 13 starts
• Coming off 3.1 IP, 1 ER relief outing vs. UNC in the ACC Tournament

🗣️ Jarrett: “He looked really good... better velocity, sharper command, and the changeup was excellent.”

Bethune-Cookman will counter with Joel Core (4.81 ERA, 7-inning no-hitter in March). FSU ace Jamie Arnold is slated for Game 2 vs. Northeastern or Mississippi State.

Let the road to Omaha begin.

And that’s a wrap!

That’s all for today, Chief.

Track stars are breaking records, the diamond is heating up, and football’s future is taking shape. Between Ting’s historic season, Puerta’s pro leap, and Keisean Henderson’s upcoming visit — the next generation of Seminole greatness is already on the runway.

Enjoy the regional action this weekend, and we’ll be back soon with more fire from across the Garnet & Gold universe.

Stay locked in. Stay legendary.
— The Chief Brief

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