FSU softball: Impact of transfer portal pitcher Julia Apsel joining FSU program

Immediately after FSU softball lost its Super Regional against Oklahoma, I wrote about what they needed to close the gap between the two programs. The Sooners went on to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive National Title. FSU had an explosive offense but lacked the pitching needed to win a National Title. The Noles took a step on Thursday, hoping to address that need with the addition of Hofstra transfer Julia Apsel. Apsel transfers to FSU with one year of eligibility remaining after playing three years at Hofstra. The New Jersey native has shown tremendous improvement each consecutive year, but the improvement between her sophomore and junior years was astronomical. Ironically, she'll be the third experienced left-handed pitcher, joining Ashtyn Danley and Makenna Reid.

What Does She Bring To FSU?

She throws strikes, only allowing 39 walks in 201.2 innings last season. That's by far a better walk-allowed per inning average than anyone on the FSU staff last season. Opposing batters hit .226 against her, and she only allowed three home runs. She's an innings eater, throwing 20 complete games in 31 starts. The biggest question about Apsel is, does her skills transition to the level of competition in the ACC? The CAA(Coastal Athletic Association) Conference doesn't have elite teams. However, there is a small sample size from last year we can use. Apsel faced No. 12 Missouri last year, pitching a complete game, nine innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, four walks, six strikeouts, and three hit batters in a 2-1 loss. Missouri wasn't a great hitting team, batting .260 with 40 home runs, but they went 48-18 and made it to Super Regionals before losing to ACC champion Duke in three games. Can Apsel help the FSU pitching staff in 2025? Absolutely. Is she an elite arm that will mow opposing teams down? I'm not sure, and I'm leaning towards probably not. Is she better than Allison Royalty? Quite possibly. However, if Ashtyn Danley and Makenna Reid continue to develop, Apsel may not have to be close to Kathryn Sandercock for FSU softball to make another deep run in the postseason.