Emerging talent Addie DeLong, an outfielder for FSU's softball team, has declared her intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This decision, which she shared publicly on Monday, opens a new chapter in her collegiate athletic journey. DeLong's time with the Seminoles included a sophomore season in 2026 that was unfortunately cut short by an injury, limiting her to a single appearance as a pinch runner where she successfully stole a base.
During her freshman year in 2025, DeLong displayed her potential across 55 games, achieving a .333 batting average from 30 at-bats, contributing a double, a triple, and two RBIs, alongside six stolen bases. Hailing from Mechanicsburg, Ohio, she was a highly regarded recruit in FSU's 2024 class, ranking as the No. 25 overall player and the No. 3 outfielder by Softball America. Her departure is notable as she is the first FSU softball player to enter the transfer portal since 2024, a period during which the team's roster remained largely stable. With a significant portion of its athletes expected to return for the 2027 season, including nearly all of its key players, FSU looks towards continued success despite this change.
DeLong's move, granting her three years of eligibility at her next institution, underscores the dynamic nature of collegiate sports. It highlights how student-athletes continually seek environments that best support their athletic and academic aspirations. Her pursuit of new opportunities serves as a reminder that growth often lies beyond current confines, encouraging both players and programs to adapt and strive for excellence in evolving circumstances.
