The 2025-26 season sparks a new beginning for Florida State Women’s Basketball. With several key players from last season graduating or transferring to another program, the team was forced to regroup and make changes to their roster. Luckily, change is a good thing. The new-look Seminoles not only include new transfers but also key players from last season who will take on a higher role.
There’s one player who will take on the lead role for the Seminoles entering her senior season. That player is six-foot guard Sydney Bowles. This is a role that Bowles prepared for all last season. As the veteran of this team, she will not only be expected to lead by example on the court but off the court as well. There’s pressure that comes with being a team leader, especially when you step into the role later in your college career. Luckily, Bowles has the maturity and confidence to lead her teammates to different heights throughout this season.
Florida State is a school where transfers thrive. They come into the program with a fresh slate to prove themselves and do so at the highest level. Last season, Sydney Bowles was granted that opportunity once she transferred to Florida State. The former Texas A&M Aggie was ready for a new beginning after two seasons with the program. However, Bowles was able to exceed expectations with Florida State by averaging 10.6 points on 39 percent shooting. Not only did Bowles play well individually but she was a great compliment next to last year's stars like Ta’Niya Latson, O’Mariah Gordon, and Makayla Timpson.
Playing next to elite players elevated Sydney Bowles' game. When her number was called, she stepped up to the plate and made huge plays for the Seminoles. I understand that Bowles didn’t always have the best shooting performances throughout the season. However, despite going through shooting slumps, her confidence was never shaken as she always had her mind set on the next play.
That’s the type of leader that can thrive at Florida State. Someone who always has their head up and doesn’t overthink the last possession. Bowles always thinking ahead allows her teammates not to get stuck on a play as well. Basketball is about pacing yourself and going through the course of the game. Bowles has been great at staying in the moment of games and awaiting the next opportunity to make an impact.
Another way that Bowles can lead is due to relating. As Florida State features several new transfers, it will be a challenge to adapt to a new system and environment as the season begins. Surely, Bowles displayed a terrific season last year. However, there was still an adjustment period as she began a new chapter. Experience is key to how Bowles can lead her team with transfers. Her previous dealing with the same situation could potentially inspire the newcomers in their first season.
Sydney Bowles is ready for this moment. Throughout last season, she showed tremendous growth not only as a scorer but as a playmaker and defender as well. Her career performance against Georgia Tech last season was a pure example of that. As the Seminoles were without their starting backcourt due to injury, Bowles took on the assignment as the team’s ball handler and decision-maker. With that being said, she didn’t disappoint as she recorded 32 points and six assists to lead Florida State to a huge road victory.
Performances like that are what would be expected out of Sydney Bowles. No, she may not get 30 points every night. However, a performance like this is where she’s leading the way can result in success for Florida State.
Leadership is important this season for the Florida State Seminoles. Surely, due to new changes, many fans and insiders have counted them out as one of the top contenders in the ACC. Surely, the conference will be highly competitive. However, with Sydney Bowles taking on a new role, no one can overlook the productive season Florida State will have.