It’s been two years since former Florida State softball star Sydney Sherrill left the program.
When she returned on Sunday for Senior Day, she knew then the Seminoles were in a better place.
Sherrill flew from Houston, Texas, to celebrate with former FSU teammates who are now seniors. That group includes best friend and infielder Devyn Flaherty, who walked with Sherrill during her Senior Day in 2022. Flaherty's parents purchased Sherrill's airline ticket to Tallahassee.
“It was such a great opportunity that I couldn’t pass it up and how great this team has been doing," Sherrill said.
“I’ll never pass up a chance to come back to Joanne Graf and see my former coaches and former teammates, amazing fans and see how the stadium has grown and how beautiful this place has gotten.”
Former FSU softball star Sydney Sherrill visits at perfect time
Sherrill couldn’t have visited at a better time.
Freshman Jaysoni Beachum broke Sherrill’s freshman record with 59 RBIs in a single season in game two Saturday against the Tar Heels. Sherrill was watching the game on her phone when she heard the big news.
“I honestly didn’t know I held that record,” Sherrill said.
"It was so long ago, probably since I was a freshman, but she is definitely having a record-breaking season. So when I heard the news that she was going to break my record, I thought it was really cool because of the season that she is having and the impact that she had on this team as a freshman.”
Prior to Sunday's game, Sherrill presented Beachum with the record-breaking ball, which had the freshman’s name written on it and the No. 59 RBI record. Sherrill is familiar with Beachum's game as she watched the Tallahassee native grow from meeting her in FSU camps to being one of the top hitters in the country.
“She poured a lot of her time and effort into this program before she was even on the field and considered a Seminole, which I think it’s really awesome to see now come to fruition just her freshman year,” Sherrill said.
Former FSU star Sydney Sherrill impressed by Seminoles' young stars
Sherrill has also been impressed by the freshmen's key contributions to the Seminoles, reminding her of when she was a freshman in 2018, when FSU won the Women’s College World Series.
“I think it’s been so much fun to watch how the freshmen have come in and compete right away and the lasting impact on this program,” Sherrill said.
Sherrill also spoke to the team, passing down the message about playing for FSU and how rewarding it can be after putting time and effort into the program.
She also talked about their season and the ups and downs experienced.
After a shaky start this season, the Seminoles have won 22 of the last 23 games, including 14 straight after sweeping North Carolina last weekend.
FSU is at home Wednesday against No 12 Florida at 7 p.m. The Seminoles have beaten their state-rival six consecutive times are are coming off a 12-3 run-rule win over the Gators last Wednesday in Gainesville.
Sherrill believes the Seminoles have a good chance of returning to the WCWS, pointing to their talent and strong finish in the regular season. FSU closes out its regular-season schedule this weekend at Syracuse.
Sherril remains involved in softball professionally
Sherill may have moved on from FSU, but she has not moved on from softball.
She plays professionally for her hometown summer league team, the Oklahoma City Spark. FSU coach Lonnie Alameda attended a game for the Spark in support of her former players, Sherrill and Elizabeth Mason (Texas Smoke).
Alameda specified the hardship of playing professionally.
“You have to love it and love the grind of it,” Alameda said.
“We’re not getting paid tons of money, so it’s about the next step for 10 years from now, these kids that can play, and so it’s definitely in her heart, and I know that, and she loves it.”
Sherrill also serves as an assistant coach at Grand Canyon University, which currently is 42-10. She attends softball camps when asked by Alameda and remains in contact with her.
While Sherrill still misses playing for FSU, she is grateful for being part of a winning program.
“I think that's what it's all about,” Sherrill said.
“Just helping those young women grow and become strong, confident leaders of the world and I'm proud to be an alumna from Florida State and just excited to report that back to you know, other softball players and young girls around the country. Like coaching at GCU has been such a pleasure and I really enjoyed it, and I'm really looking forward to whatever's next for me.”
Up next for FSU softball
Wednesday: FSU. vs. Florida
Where/When: JoAnne Graf Field, 7 p.m.
Broadcast info: ACCN/96.5 FM
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
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