CULTURE OF WINNING

One of greatest Seminoles coached by Dr. JoAnne Graf was Darby Cottle, who played shortstop from 1980 to 1983. A two-time AIAW National Champion, two-time All-American and winner of the 1982 Broderick Award as the top softball player in the nation, Cottle’s No. 15 was the first retired jersey in program history. “When you play at Florida State you eat, drink and sleep softball and classes,” Cottle later said. “You learn a dedication to both that starts with JoAnne and the example she sets. There are high expectations and she sets those right up front.” Embracing this culture, Dr. Graf and Cottle led the Seminoles to their first 50-win seasons in 1981 and 1982.