After reclaiming the ACC title in 2022, Florida State softball has been picked to do it again in 2023.
The Seminoles were picked by the ACC coaches this past week to win the conference. FSU was also ranked in the top five in three different major preseason polls — USA Softball, D1Softball, and Softball America.
FSU finished 54-7 in 2022, but the season ended in disappointment. On the final day of the Tallahassee Regional, the Seminoles dropped a pair of contests to Mississippi State as the Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Super Regional.
FSU also led the ACC with five players on the preseason All-ACC team. After being named to the USA Softball Player of the Year Top 50, first baseman Mack Leonard and pitcher Kathryn Sandercock were each named to the All-ACC preseason team. Also making the preseason team were utility Kaleigh Harding, infielder Devyn Flaherty and catcher Michaela Edenfield.
The Seminoles will open the season at home for the JoAnne Graf Classic. FSU kicks off the year on Feb. 9 against Lipscomb.
Football
Record: 10-3
Recognitions: None
Weekly Commitments: Tawaski “TJ Abrams”, 2024 4-star WR* (No. 297 overall*)
Weekly Decommitments: None
2023 Recruiting Class Ranking*: No. 20 nationally, third in ACC (17 total commitments)*
Big Picture: FSU continues to load up early on its 2024 class. The Seminoles picked up a big-time blue-chip target this week.
Swimming and Diving
Ranking: Men No. 16 CSCAA
Past Week: Men beat Tampa on Friday, 152.5-71.5 women beat Tampa on Friday, 163-61
Upcoming: Auburn First Choice (Friday and Saturday)
Recognitions: None
Big Picture: FSU celebrated Senior Day with a convincing sweep of Tampa. The Seminoles will have one event before the ACC Championships.
Men’s Basketball
Record: 7-15 (5-6 ACC)
Ranking: N/A
Past Week: (0-2), lost to Miami on Tuesday, 86-63; lost to Clemson on Saturday, 82-81
Upcoming: at NC State (Wednesday); at Louisville (Saturday)
Recognitions: None
Weekly Commitments: None
Weekly Decommitments: None
2023 Recruiting Class Ranking*: No. 64 nationally, 10th in ACC (1 total commitment)*
Big Picture: It was a tough, winless week for FSU.
Women’s Basketball
Record: 18-5 (7-3 ACC)
Ranking: No. 24 AP
Past Week: (1-1), beat Pittsburgh on Sunday, 74-37; lost at Notre Dame on Thursday, 70-47
Upcoming: vs. Duke (Sunday); vs. Wake Forest (Thursday)
Recognitions: None
Big Picture: FSU finally broke into the polls, but that could change depending on what happens Sunday against Duke. Legendary coach Sue Semrau will be honored before the game.
Men’s Tennis
Record: 5-1
Ranking: No. 9 ITA
Past Week: (1-1), beat San Diego at ITA Kickoff on Friday, 4-2; lost at Baylor at ITA Kickoff on Saturday, 4-2
Upcoming: vs. Florida (Thursday, Lake Nona)
Recognitions: None
Big Picture: FSU suffered its first loss of the season this weekend. Things don’t get much easier this week as the Seminoles take on rival Florida in Lake Nona.
Women’s Tennis
Record: 4-1
Ranking: N/A
Past Week: (3-1), beat Mercer on Sunday, 7-0; beat Florida A&M on Sunday, 4-0; beat Arkansas at ITA Kickoff on Friday, 4-3; lost at Stanford at ITA Kickoff on Saturday, 4-0
Upcoming: vs. North Florida (Feb. 5)
Recognitions: None
Big Picture: Like the FSU men, the women suffered their first loss to close ITA Kickoff.
Track and Field
Ranking: Men. No. 3 USTFCCCA, No. 3 USTFCCA South Region; Women No. 16 USTFCCA South Region
Past Week: Competed at Razorback Invitational
Upcoming: Meyo Invitational (Saturday)
Recognitions: Jeremiah Davis (ACC Field Performer of the Week)
Big Picture: There were some strong showings for FSU this weekend at Fayetteville.
Softball
Ranking: No. 4 D1Softball; No. 4 USA Softball; No. 3 Softball America
Upcoming: vs. Lipscomb (Feb. 9, JoAnne Graf Classic)
Recognitions: Mack Leonard, 1B/P (USA Softball Player of the Year Top 50, preseason All-ACC); Kathryn Sandercock, P (USA Softball Player of the Year Top 50, preseason All-ACC); Kaleigh Harding, UT (Preseason All-ACC); Devyn Flaherty, IF (Preseason All-ACC); Michaela Edenfield, C (Preseason All-ACC)
Big Picture: With softball season right around the corner, FSU is a unanimous top-5 team and the coaches’ pick to win the ACC.
*Rankings according to 247Sports Composite
Mike Ferguson is the lead writer for Double Fries No Slaw. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeWFerguson. Follow all of Mike’s work by liking his Facebook page.
