TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) — If you've been associated with Florida State for awhile, you know who Monk Bonasorte was. The senior associate athletic director for FSU died from cancer in 2016
While not physically here, his memory still lives on through camps and a scholarship that was created in his name. The softball program at FSU is one that makes sure his name is carried on throughout the years.
"A lot of these kids are scared of failure, and Monk was so really good about putting an arm around you when things weren't going good, and putting an arm around you when things were going great. Just knowing that he loved you as a person and I think that's what we try to embrace here for the two days," said FSU head softball coach Lonni Alameda.
Monk Bonasorte hired Lonni Alameda as FSU's head softball coach in 2009. It was a special relationship that ended when Monk passed away.
"I was with the family and he had been in hospice for awhile," explained Alameda. "It's obviously sad when you lose someone like that. But yet, you're so enriched in your life to be around people who make you better."
Monk never forgot what it was like to be a student-athlete, which is a reminder for Coach Alameda every day. "He would come down here and he would gate it up with us and talk to the team about just loving each other and the moments and the growth. So you just try to live on those legacies."
Devyn Flaherty added, "He came out here wanting to give his all everyday and make everyone better. So, if we can help someone get better, we can get better a little everyday, we're just living a legacy and like, him be proud of that legacy that we're leaving."
One of those legacies involves teaching. Flaherty, a freshman shortstop, attended the MB42 camp when she was in high school. Now, she plays for Florida State and her role has reversed from student to teacher.
"Just seeing them grow and honestly putting everything out there. When they put everything out there, it's so easy for them to get better. Even if it's just 1 percent better, that's what they're here for," explained Flaherty. "So, it's really cool to watch them get a little bit better and to help them get a little bit better because it's completely roles reversed from what I'm used too."
The money raised from the camp goes to the Monk Bonasorte Scholarship Fund. It was created by Monk's wife. For Florida State's softball players, the camp is also a community service opportunity.
