SEMINOLE SOFTBALL’S FIRST TITLE

In just her third season as head coach, Dr. JoAnne Graf led FSU to their first AIAW National Championship in 1981. The Seminoles finished the year with an incredible 54-7 record, including 16 straight wins in the final stretch. After winning the Florida AIAW State Tournament and the AIAW Regionals over South Florida, FSU advanced to the AIAW Women’s College World Series (WCWS). The Noles defeated North Carolina in the championship game, 4-1, behind RBIs from C Venus Ross, 1B/3B Charlotte Cates and 2B Jan Sikes. When asked what could be better than winning the state, regional and national championships in the same year, Dr. Graf replied, “Winning it twice in a row.” Fortunately for the Noles, Dr. Graf’s wish became a reality in 1982.