A week ago, I wrote about three things I knew and three things that need to change with Florida State softball. Those thoughts were a culimination of analyzing the season in real-time, looking at narratives, results, and most of all, how much dead weight was on the FSU roster.
There was a clear gap between Florida State and the top teams. They only beat two top-10 teams all season and were outscored big time in the other matchups. Those teams have power pitchers and power hitters. FSU pitchers relied on deception, an elite defense, and an offense that could roll most teams, but struggled against anyone throwing gas (70mph +).
One of the things I mentioned that Lonni Alameda needed to do was to entertain the transfer portal again. She decided not to use it last year, banking on a top freshman class to grow up quickly and become contributors. That freshman class turned out to be very good, and several of those players will be impact players in the next year or two.
However, Florida State needs immediate impact players that it can find in the transfer portal. In order to do that, some players on the roster would need to leave. The first two of those players announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal:
After spending two years at Florida State, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility left.
— Addie DeLong (@AddieD00) May 25, 2026
So excited to see the big plans God has in store for me! @FootDoctor_Esia pic.twitter.com/a6VvFphqrM
After much thought and prayer, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal and step away from Florida State Softball.
— Mimi Gooden (@megooden23) May 26, 2026
With two years of eligibility remaining, I am excited to see where the Lord leads me next in both my academic and athletic journey. #transferportal pic.twitter.com/D6d6ECqa8L
Florida State has to make a decision on if they plan to compete among the elites or not. This could be an indication they might compete.
Delong is a fine young woman. She got hurt in the first game this year, unfortunately, but I’ve seen enough of her game to know that roster spot needs an upgrade. This isn’t the Lonni Alameda team causing chaos on the bases with speed from a decade ago. The game has changed a lot since then, and Florida State has to adjust to the times.
I wish her well in finding a spot where she can flourish, but Florida State needs players who make major impacts on offense. If you’re an outfielder, you gotta be near double-digit home runs each year. Will a freshman do that? The right ones will, but Florida State hasn’t been getting those types. However, they can be found in the portal. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and I’m sure some teams will try to poach some Florida State players too.
Gooden is a player who got passed up on the depth chart and wasn't going to be a difference-maker either. She redshirted this year and it looked like the writing was on the wall. I wish her well in her pursuit of finding the right fit.
Related: Three things I know and three things that need to change with Florida State softball
If Florida State is going to play softball at the elite levels, using the transfer portal to improve weaknesses is a must. I’m not saying abuse it, they can continue to recruit high school talent at build that way. However, depending on 4-6 freshman to be impact players every year doesn’t seem like the smartest move either.
If that’s the game they have to play because of resources? So be it, but we’ve seen Florida State use the portal with success before, and it’s time to do it again. This portal entry seems like a step on that direction.
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