FSU softball: 4 things that must happen to return to elite status in 2025
By Kelvin Hunt
![Florida State coach Lonni Alameda speaks speaks during a press conference for the Women's College World Series at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Florida State coach Lonni Alameda speaks speaks during a press conference for the Women's College World Series at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, May 31, 2023.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5072,h_2853,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/270/01hyqzajcg0eapf8mmc7.jpg)
Still Need More Power
Credit to Coach Alameda for signing the 2024 class. Jaysoni Beachum and Isa Torres alone were huge parts of FSU's success in 2024. Kennedy Harp showed some flashes in limited action. However, FSU only had three players with 10+ home runs, and one was a freshman. FSU will lose one of those players, Kalei Harding. Freshman Isa Torrest had nine home runs and could develop into a player with 10+ in 2025. Jahni Kerr had nine and could do the same. Amaya Ross came out of nowhere to hit eight home runs, but I'm not sold on her yet.
She may have feasted on some inferior teams early because she seemed to disappear down the stretch. There are too many hitters with no threat to do any damage. FSU had five players responsible for 65 percent of their doubles and three responsible for 52 percent of their home runs. Once opposing pitchers got past the top 4-5 hitters, they didn't have much to worry about unless they walked FSU batters. A bright spot is that FSU only struck out in nine percent of their at-bats, but I'd trade a few more strikeouts for more power. FSU needs to add more power from the transfer portal.