The Florida State Softball Roster team is a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, renowned for its consistent excellence, championship pedigree, and ability to reload talent year after year. As of March 4, 2025, the 2025 roster is taking shape under head coach Lonni Alameda, who has led FSU to 14 forty-win seasons and a national title in 2018. With the Seminoles now in their second full season as part of the expanded Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)—which grew to 15 softball members with the additions of Stanford and Cal—the roster reflects a blend of returning veterans, impactful transfers, and a top-tier recruiting class ranked No. 3 nationally. This article dives into the composition of the Florida State softball roster for 2025, exploring key players, positional battles, and the program’s ongoing legacy.
A Legacy of Excellence
Before delving into the 2025 roster, it’s worth appreciating the foundation FSU softball has built. The Seminoles have made 36 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 24 consecutive berths, and have reached the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) 12 times, advancing to the championship series on three occasions. Their 2018 title—earned after a thrilling sweep of Washington following an opening loss—marked FSU as the first team in the championship series era to lose their WCWS opener and still claim the crown. With 19 ACC championships and a winning percentage against every current ACC foe, FSU’s roster is always a contender, and 2025 is no exception.
The 2024 season, which saw FSU finish with a 46-16 record, a second-place ACC finish, and a regional championship, provides the baseline for this year’s roster. While the Seminoles fell short of Oklahoma City, losing to Oklahoma in the Super Regionals, the team’s depth and resilience set the stage for another strong campaign.
Returning Core: The Backbone of 2025
The 2025 roster features several key returners from 2024, bringing experience and leadership to a team looking to reclaim its spot atop the ACC and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the standout veterans:
- Kalei Harding (Outfield): A senior in 2024, Harding was a force with a .342 batting average, 14 doubles, 25 home runs, and 65 RBI. Assuming she exhausted her eligibility, her departure leaves a void—but if an extra COVID year applies, her return would be a game-changer. For now, we’ll assume she’s gone, pending official 2025 eligibility updates.
- Jaysoni Beachum (Third Base): A freshman standout in 2024, Beachum started at third base and figures prominently in 2025 as a sophomore. Her versatility and power—she hit .300+ as a rookie—make her a cornerstone of the infield.
- Kaliegh Ross (First Base): Another returning starter, Ross anchored first base in 2024. Her steady glove and ability to hit for average (.310 in 2024) provide stability.
- Amaya Torres (Shortstop): Torres started at shortstop last season and returns as a junior. Her defensive prowess and speed on the bases (10+ steals in 2024) solidify the middle infield.
- Devyn Flaherty (Second Base): Flaherty started 60 of 62 games in 2024, batting .329 with 16 RBI and 43 runs. Her graduation leaves a gap at second base, forcing FSU to find a replacement.
- Kaley Mudge (Outfield): Mudge’s .333 average, 12 doubles, and 35 runs in 2024 made her a catalyst. Like Harding, her eligibility likely ended, but confirmation is pending.
- Makenna Reid (Pitcher): Reid emerged as a reliable arm in 2024, posting a sub-2.00 ERA in relief appearances. As a sophomore, she’s poised to take on a larger role in the circle.
- Allison Royalty (Pitcher): A veteran presence, Royalty logged significant innings in 2024. Her experience will anchor the staff in 2025.
The loss of seniors like Harding, Mudge, and Flaherty—assuming they’ve moved on—means FSU must replace significant offensive production (over 50 home runs combined). However, the returning infield trio of Beachum, Ross, and Torres, plus pitchers Reid and Royalty, gives the Seminoles a strong foundation.
Catching Depth: Edenfield and Beyond
Behind the plate, FSU boasts enviable depth. Michaela Edenfield, a junior in 2024, started all 53 games she played, though a hand injury shifted her to designated player at times. Her .280 average and 10 home runs highlight her offensive impact, while her arm deters base stealers. She’s back as a senior in 2025, likely reclaiming her role as the primary catcher.
Backing her up are Kennedy Harp (formerly Dack) and Katie Frey. Harp, a utility player, appeared in 45 games with 20 starts in 2024, offering flexibility across positions. Frey, a defensive specialist, played in 36 games with seven starts. Both return as juniors, ensuring FSU’s catching corps remains robust. Add Mimi Ruggiero, a 2025 freshman from Oxbridge Academy who hit .617 with 16 home runs in high school (leading Florida), and the Seminoles have a potential star waiting in the wings.
Pitching Reinforcements: Freshman Phenom and Transfers
The pitching staff is where FSU’s 2025 roster truly shines, thanks to returning arms and elite newcomers. Beyond Reid and Royalty, the Seminoles welcome Ava Lorenzatti, a consensus top-10 national prospect from Beecher, Illinois. Lorenzatti, a right-handed pitcher committed to FSU, brings a pedigree of dominance: a 0.40 career high school ERA, 1,507 strikeouts, and 21 no-hitters, including seven as a senior in 2024. Her senior stats—26-1, 0.20 ERA, 399 strikeouts in 175.2 innings—earned her accolades like the 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year. She’s poised to follow in the footsteps of FSU aces like Lacey Waldrop and Meghan King.
Another high school gem, Skylar McKenzie, joins from Pace, Florida. A three-time PNJ Hitter of the Year and MaxPreps First Team All-American, McKenzie offers versatility as a pitcher and hitter, ranked No. 4 nationally by Extra Inning Softball. While her primary role may be in the circle, her bat (.400+ in high school) adds depth.
From the transfer portal, Autumn Widra arrives from Auburn. In 2024, she made 49 appearances (38 starts) for the Tigers, hitting .250 with a .957 fielding percentage across infield positions. Her arm, however, could see her transition to pitching duties at FSU, supplementing a staff that lost contributors like Ashtyn Danley to graduation.
Outfield and Utility: Replacing Legends
With Mudge and Harding likely gone, the outfield relies on Jahni Kerr, a returning starter who hit .290 with 15 RBI in 2024. Kerr’s speed and range make her a lock in center field. Freshmen like Neely Peterson, a top-100 recruit known for her bat speed, could compete for corner spots. Utility players like Harp and Isa Torres (sister of Amaya) provide flexibility, with Isa’s .350 average in limited 2024 action suggesting breakout potential as a sophomore.
Positional Battles and Depth Chart
Here’s a projected 2025 starting lineup based on current trends:
- C: Michaela Edenfield (Sr.)
- 1B: Kaliegh Ross (Jr.)
- 2B: TBD (Freshman or transfer likely replacing Flaherty)
- SS: Amaya Torres (Jr.)
- 3B: Jaysoni Beachum (So.)
- LF: Neely Peterson (Fr.)
- CF: Jahni Kerr (Sr.)
- RF: Isa Torres (So.)
- P: Ava Lorenzatti (Fr.), Makenna Reid (So.), Allison Royalty (Sr.)
- DP: Mimi Ruggiero (Fr.)
Second base remains the biggest question mark, with FSU potentially targeting a transfer or elevating a reserve like Hallie Wacaser (.270 in 2024). The pitching rotation’s depth—Lorenzatti, Reid, Royalty, McKenzie, Widra—offers Alameda options to mix and match based on matchups.
Recruiting Class: No. 3 in the Nation
FSU’s 2025 recruiting class, ranked No. 3 nationally per posts on X from November 2024, underscores the program’s appeal. Beyond Lorenzatti, McKenzie, Ruggiero, and Peterson, the class includes versatile athletes who could contribute immediately. This haul, the top in the ACC, reflects Alameda’s knack for blending high school stars with portal additions, a departure from the quiet 2023 transfer window.
Outlook for 2025
The 2025 Florida State softball roster combines experience, youth, and star power. With eight ACC series and two bye weeks on the schedule, the Seminoles face a gauntlet but have the talent to thrive. Edenfield’s leadership, Beachum’s growth, and Lorenzatti’s arrival position FSU for a deep postseason run. While replacing legends like Harding and Mudge is daunting, the roster’s depth—bolstered by a top-3 recruiting class—ensures FSU remains a WCWS contender. At the Seminole Softball Complex, where JoAnne Graf Field honors the program’s past, the 2025 roster is ready to write its own chapter.
Conclusion
The 2025 Florida State softball roster embodies the Seminoles’ tradition of excellence, blending seasoned returners like Michaela Edenfield and Jaysoni Beachum with a stellar No. 3-ranked recruiting class headlined by pitcher Ava Lorenzatti. Under Lonni Alameda’s guidance, FSU is poised to navigate the expanded ACC and pursue another Women’s College World Series berth. While the departure of stars like Kalei Harding and Kaley Mudge poses challenges, the depth at catcher, a revamped pitching staff, and emerging talents like Neely Peterson and Mimi Ruggiero signal a bright future. With a mix of power, speed, and versatility, this roster has the tools to dominate at JoAnne Graf Field and beyond. As the 2025 season unfolds, Florida State’s blend of legacy and renewal ensures they remain a formidable force in college softball.
