Lonni Alameda isn’t kidding when she calls it a “hockey shift.” Florida State said goodbye to nine seniors in the offseason and welcomed nine freshmen for the 2026 season.
When asked for a common factor among the freshman, Alameda said it wasn’t by design but noted the athleticism of the class.
“It's a great recruiting class in that sense, and what they're bringing athleticism-wise,” Alameda said. “But we started the season going to London (in the summer), first international trip that we've ever taken, for connection. In the beginning it was connection with the freshmen, and now it's morphed into connection with the whole team.
“Obviously on the softball field, excited about what they bring, skill-set-wise, and their passion and energy, but now they've let their guard down, and we are like one unit, and we've done a lot of team things together.”
Alameda noted the maturity of the group and suggested they’re not freshmen anymore. But later in the interview, she acknowledged the group will experience so many firsts — from Opening Day (Feb. 5) to the Clearwater tournament (Feb. 12-15) to the physical and mental challenges of a season that could stretch deep into May.
There will no doubt be a few freshmen who could be redshirt candidates. The Seminoles will be led by veterans like third baseman Jaysoni Beachum, shortstop Isa Torres, outfielder Kennedy Harp and pitcher Ashtyn Danley when the season starts. They will be among the leaders who will help guide the freshmen.
“To be able to take my experience and help them with that, continue to guide them, has been everything for me,” Torres said. “I will continue to guide them. It’s going to be in season, it’s going to be a little rocky at the beginning. They’re going to have the nerves, as well all are. But just continue to guide them through that and let them know that it’s ok to be nervous, but to continue on and trust in their training because they’re good kids, really good athletes.”
How quickly the freshmen develop will be the storyline to watch throughout 2026. FSU has brought in a few who could be impactful in the circle (Bella Dimitrijevic, Averi Dockery, Marlee Gaskell) and catcher (Danika Spinogatti and Anna Hinde).
Gaskell, a left-hander, was viewed as a top-5 prep pitcher in the nation. Dimitrijevic, a right-hander, was Illinois’ player of the year in 2024 and 2025. Hinde was viewed as one of the top players in the nation, a versatile catcher/third base option.
“We had nine seniors graduate last year, so it's a hockey shift essentially as we’ve moved these guys in,” Alameda said. “I think the mindset in the beginning was like, ‘The game doesn't know you’re a freshman. So how can we get you comfortable enough?’ ”
No new transfers on 2026 team
FSU had been selective in the portal the last few years, landing versatile players like Mack Leonard and Annabelle Widra as well as left-hander Julia Apsel. The Seminoles did not land a transfer this offseason, and sources have indicated to the Osceola that the program’s revenue sharing allocation and NIL funds are limited.
But Alameda thinks this class will grow faster, as individuals and as a group, with opportunities to play early in their career.
“The one intention we did have, is not to jump into the portal this year,” Alameda said. “We didn't want to stunt the growth of the nine freshmen, and we wanted to give them the opportunity to grow because we knew how athletic and good they were.”
Harp’s return from injury
Harp injured her knee on Aug. 27 and missed the remainder of the 2025 season. FSU missed her bat (.412, nine home runs, 10 triples, 49 RBI) in the middle of the lineup and glove in the field down the stretch. Alameda said Harp has been consistently positive in her rehabilitation and has been a full go in the preseason.
“She's getting after it,” Alameda said. “I'm slowly, kind of holding her back a little bit, but she's been tremendous. From when she got injured to where she is now. … This is her fall right now, getting after it.”
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