The Seminoles begin fall ball with new faces, veteran leaders, and high expectations
Florida State Softball: Fall Practice Underway
Fall softball has ramped up for the Florida State Seminoles, with practice starting this week. The Noles are coming off a 49 and 12, 2025 season that saw it all come to an end at the hands of national runner-up Texas Tech at home in the Super Regional.
Florida State will have some shoes to fill this coming season, with the likes of Michaela Edenfield, Jahni Kerr, Katie Dack, and Amaya Ross all graduated and on to post-FSU careers.
Coach Wilson’s Early Thoughts
This morning I spoke with FSU Assistant Coach Travis Wilson. Right off the bat Wilson stated, “We are looking really strong and super athletic.” When he said that, my mind automatically shifted to their offensive philosophy going forward.
Florida State, according to NCAA.com, finished 2025 seventh in batting average across the country with an average of .346. As for scoring, the Noles were 10th with 7.41 runs a game, and 14th in home runs with 83 last season. Forty-nine of those homers were hit by graduating players, which is a big chunk of production to replace. Expect to see an athletic and opportunistic Florida State team this coming season, according to Wilson.
Speed and Offensive Weapons
The Seminoles stole 81 bases last season, which placed them 46th in the nation. Even though team stolen base leader Amaya Ross is gone, FSU returns Isa Torres and Kennedy Harp from last season, along with some younger players that will have the chance to step up and make statements.
Speaking of All-American Kennedy Harp, I asked how her return is going. Harp went down late last season in the Louisville series to a season-ending injury. Wilson said, “Harp has been killing her rehab. She is not fully cleared yet, but optimistic for opening day.” Harp’s return to the Seminoles lineup will be huge, as she was definitely missed toward the finish of last season.
Before her injury, she slashed .412/.492/.765 with nine homers, 49 RBIs, 10 triples, seven doubles, and also stole 15 bases. Her coverage in center field is just as important as her offense. With her speed and arm, she is a big need for FSU. Everyone will have a close eye on Harp in her return.
Florida State does not lose all its threatening power. Jaysoni Beachum is back with 27 career home runs in two seasons. She also has 22 doubles and a triple.
The Consistency of Isa Torres
All-American Isa Torres was one of the most disciplined and talented softball players in college softball last season. She slashed .436/.472/.638 with nine home runs, 45 RBIs, 70 runs scored, 13 doubles, and two triples. Torres worked 15 walks and only struck out five times all season. That shows her vision at the plate and great decision making. Five strikeouts in 218 at bats is very impressive.
On the defensive side, Torres is as solid as they come at shortstop. She finished with a .954 fielding percentage, 76 putouts, and 112 assists.
In the Circle
Last season the Noles were dominant in the circle. They finished sixth in the nation with a 2.20 ERA and tied for 10th in shutouts with 15. Both All-American Jazzy Francik and Ashtyn Danley return and will carry much of the load. Together they went 24-5 with 161 strikeouts in 2025.
Danley is also a two-way threat. She can play the outfield and at the plate she hit .386 in 70 at bats last season. That is one of the best things about her game.
Freshmen and PGF All-American Bella Dimitrijevic and Marlee Gaskell will also be part of the mix. Both were ranked among the top pitchers in the 2025 class.
As for Makenna Reid, she is still in Tallahassee. Reid is still dealing with some lingering effects from last year’s injury. Out of respect for her privacy I did not ask further questions about her exact issues. If she can return strong and healthy, FSU will have a tremendously solid staff.
New Faces at Catcher
Florida State has nine true freshmen on the roster and Isabella Ruggiero, a redshirt freshman. Several will have good chances to play early. One big role to replace is at catcher after Michaela Edenfield’s graduation.
Ruggiero could step in, but she will compete with incoming freshman Anna Hinde. Hinde is the 2025 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year out of Charlotte.
Ruggiero had a strong summer in the Florida Gulf Coast League with the DeSoto Queens. In 19 games she slashed .492/.545/.763 with four home runs, 21 RBIs, and 19 runs scored.
Veteran Madi Frey is also in the mix. She has seen time at catcher during her career but played behind Edenfield.
Infield and Outfield Competition
Second base is also open after Kristina Hartley graduated. Two freshmen, Marin Heller and Hayley Griggs, will most likely compete for time there. Both were PGF All-Americans. Griggs was also the 2025 Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year and ranked the sixth overall player in her class by Softball America.
In the outfield, the Seminoles need to replace Jahni Kerr and Katie Dack. One player to watch is Addie DeLong. As a freshman she appeared in 55 games and made just one start, but she showed her ability with a highlight diving catch against Virginia last season.
Looking Ahead
The fall is just beginning for Florida State and I cannot wait to see them in person and get a good eye test on the possibilities for the upcoming season. There is a lot of talent here, both new and returning. Some may look at who is missing from last season, but I believe this team is capable of pushing through in 2026.
This staff is one of the best in the country and has been together for a long time. There is no reason to think they will not have this team ready. By the time conference play rolls around, the Seminoles will be ready to chase another run.
Stay tuned as the fall unfolds and we see who steps up to the task.
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