Being a senior in college is always a bittersweet moment. You’re just one or two semesters away from finally graduating and receiving the diploma that you worked hard for. However, it also gives a college student time to reflect as they’re closing a beautiful chapter in their lives. That’s why it’s always good for college students to enjoy the moment as they ride the wave of their final chapter before transitioning to a new life.
On Sunday, Florida State Women’s Basketball will honor their four seniors as they play their final collegiate home game against Stanford. Before the game, the players, coaches, and fans will have an opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation for each senior and what they mean to the program. Throughout this season, the Seminoles have been through their ups and downs as they walk into Sunday with a 9-18 record. Despite the struggles they’ve faced, there have also been high moments from the upperclassmen that deserve appreciation.
Amaya Bonner
The first senior that will be discussed is six-foot sensation, Amaya Bonner. At the time Bonner transferred to Florida State, the West Coast Native needed a fresh start. She played her freshman season at the University of California but was never a consistent piece in head coach Charmin Smith’s rotation. Luckily, that’s where Brooke Wyckoff and the Seminoles came into play. They understood Bonner’s value as a wing with great length and had the potential to play a pivotal role in the team’s success.
It’s been an up-and-down journey for Bonner at Florida State. Throughout most of her tenure, she’s been very inconsistent offensively and at times has been a decoy on that end of the floor. However, that doesn’t stop her from making an impact. Bonner has been able to show her impact on the defensive end. Her length and athleticism allow her to always anticipate creating stops on that end. Bonner is great at defending multiple positions while also getting in passing lanes. Her defensive instincts have often ignited the Seminoles and allowed them to play their best basketball.
Luckily, that same energy Bonner has played with has carried over to her senior year. As Florida State went through drastic changes over the offseason, it allowed Bonner to have a bigger role with the team. Throughout the season, she’s been excellent at bringing the energy on the floor. Also, her offense has shown more consistency this season. Bonner had a three-game stretch where she averaged 16.6 points on 48 percent shooting. It was an important stretch as she took matters into her own hands and carried the scoring load. Due to her efforts, Bonner was able to land a starting spot in coach Wyckoff’s rotation.
As Bonner takes the floor at the Donald L Tucker Center for the final time, Seminole fans should not only appreciate Bonner’s on-court production but her off-court personality as well. No matter the situation, Bonner always brings positive energy as she has a big smile that uplifts everyone’s energy. As she says goodbye to Florida State, her positive impact will be remembered based on how she competes and interacts with everyone.
Sydney Bowles
Sydney Bowles transferred to Florida State at a pivotal time in her college basketball career. After playing her first two seasons at Texas A&M, it was time for a change of scenery. Sure, Bowles was a member of a SEC-contending team that featured a high-caliber player named Janiah Barker. However, for her to grow, she had to relocate to a situation that would allow her to play at her maximum potential.
What stands out about Bowles is her confidence offensively. She’s another big wing that shows the combination of ball-handling alongside her three-level scoring. As a junior, Bowles averaged a career-high 10.6 points on 39 percent shooting. Her shooting numbers may not intrigue many. However, when watching games, it’s evident that Bowles can put the ball in the basket. A game that proves that is on February 23, 2025, as she scored 32 points on 47 percent in a huge win over Georgia Tech.
As a senior, Bowles was upgraded to being the “Captain” of the Seminoles. Whether she has been a starter or a bench player, she’s done a great job providing leadership and energy for the Seminoles. As she steps onto the Florida State Hardwood for the final time, several emotions will run through Bowles’s head. Some of those emotions will be gratitude as she was able to rejuvenate her college career wearing garnet and gold.
Jasmine Shavers
Jasmine Shaers was a steal for Florida State to acquire over the offseason. During her early career at Texas Tech, she blossomed into a phenomenal two-way talent who stood out as one of the notable talents in the Big 12. After playing three years for the Lady Raiders, the Texas native took a chance and relocated to North Florida to become a Seminole for her final chapter.
Shavers wanted to join the tradition of greatness at Florida State. Considering this has always been an NCAA Tournament-caliber team, she wanted to help the program continue their winning ways. Unfortunately, that has not been the case while the Seminoles have only 9 wins on the season. However, that hasn't stopped Shavers from making an impact on the floor.
Throughout the season, Shavers has had shining moments where she has led the charge for the Seminoles in a big win. The first one that took place was on December 20 as she recorded 29 points and 12 rebounds in an 89-41 win on their home floor. A month later, Shavers delivered another strong performance with 22 points on 60 percent shooting from three in a win over SMU. It’s hard to slow Shavers down when she’s in rhythm. Once she figures out how the defense is defending her, she uses it to her advantage as she finds different ways to score.
Although Shavers’ career at Florida State will last for one season, she instantly became a fan favorite amongst Seminole fans. She does her job well by showing up to compete and making an impact in some form or fashion. Luckily, she’ll have a chance to give Seminole fans one last memory on Sunday for Senior Night.
Allie Kubek
Allie Kubek’s journey to where she is today is very inspiring. From dealing with major injuries to falling short of success, she’s shown that she’s a fighter and is always looking to show up better than she was before. That’s the mentality that Florida State needed for the 2025-26 season. Understanding her value as a role player, the Florida State coaching staff recruited Kubek to join the Seminoles for her senior season.
Kubek has been a positive force for the Seminoles throughout this season. While mostly known as a three-point sniper, she’s managed to show more versatility this season. Kubek has had moments where she’s played well with her back to the basket as well as being able to score in pick and roll. Kubek adding more versatility on the offensive end has continued to put the defense on its heels. Not only has she shown to be a factor from the perimeter but from all three levels overall.
Just like Shavers, Kubek will only play at Florida State for one season. It’s bittersweet as fans can only imagine what things would be like if she could play longer. Luckily, Kubek also has a chance to leave Seminole fans with one last memory as she plays on her home court for the final time.