TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) - When Florida State softball enters their realm, a simple sign reminds them that this is a new year with a new focus.
"At the beginning of fall, we took the gate sign from last years team down, and we took the National Championships down that were in our cages," said senior Cali Harrod. "That was us kind of saying this is about Team 36 now."
Team 36. A team with experience, with youth, but with the same excitement that comes with the first day of practice.
"Coming off last year it was great, but this is a new team, new mission," said sophomore Syndney Sherril. "I'm really excited to see what we're going to do."
"Enjoy the ride. It's just like a mountain range is what we've talked about," added head coach Lonni Alameda. "We're going to have these peaks and valleys, and we just want the valleys to be really big, but love the journey. That's been more of their mindset this year."
It's a mindset focused on fun, and part of the thrill? Knowing everyone wants to be in their shoes.
"Who doesn't want that right? I think it's really exciting," laughed Alameda. "You come here, you want to be the best, you want to play the best. You want to watch yourself grow. Now we're going to get everyone's best, so what a great opportunity."
"We're just going to play the game we've always played before," added Sherrill. "That's what got us where we were last year. Just taking it one pitch at a time. I think if we just keep that in our minds, we'll be fine."
One pitch at a time, to get back to where they finished.
