The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced on Jan. 22 that five Florida State softball players were selected to the 2026 Preseason All-ACC team, the most players named to any preseason team in the ACC this year and a program-best for the number of selections in a single season.
The news came on the same day that the Seminoles were picked to win the ACC, adding another year to their run of being picked to win the ACC in 12 of the last 13 seasons.
Being named to the Preseason All-ACC Team is an honor bestowed upon the conference’s top talent by the league’s head coaches. There are 14 players selected each year, including five infielders, four outfielders, three pitchers, and a catcher or a designated player.
Torres and Beachum solidify the infield with preseason honors
Junior third baseman Jaysoni Beachum and junior shortstop Isa Torres represent the FSU infield. Torres, a Georgetown, Texas native, led the entire ACC in batting average last season with a school-record .436 and conference-high 95 hits. She was named to the 2025 First Team All-ACC and the 2024 Second Team All-ACC.
“I see this honor as a reflection of the support I’ve received from my coaches and teammates who challenge me and help me grow every day,” Torres said in an interview with the FSView. “While it’s an exciting recognition, it also motivates me to keep working, stay grounded, and earn it through my effort and performance throughout the season.”
Beachum, a Tallahassee resident originally from Dothan, Ala., is playing her third season with the ’Noles. She was previously named to the 2024 First Team All-ACC and was the 2024 ACC Freshman of the Year in softball.
Pitchers Francik and Danley earn top honors in the circle
Anchoring the Garnet and Gold pitching staff are junior left-handed pitcher and outfielder Ashtyn Danley and sophomore right-handed pitcher Jazzy Francik. Danley, from Winchester, Tenn., serves as a dual-threat for Florida State. She was named to the 2025 First Team All-ACC and 2024 Second Team All-ACC.
The Seminoles full pitcher is Francik, who hails from Rockledge, Fla. During her freshman season with FSU in 2025, she earned First Team All-ACC honors, won the ACC Pitcher of the Week twice, and made the ACC All-Freshman team.
“Pursuing my passion, my dreams at Florida State have been nothing short of amazing,” Francik said in an interview with FSView. “From a young age, I dreamt of being part of a program like FSU. A program that holds itself to the highest standards both physically and mentally, and I feel like I am right where I belong.”
Harp recognized nationally as FSU sets the standard
Rounding out the selections is junior outfielder Kennedy Harp from Lawrenceville, Ga. Harp was named to the 2025 Third Team All-ACC, finishing among the conference leaders with 10 triples. She also earned a spot on the 2024 ACC All-Freshman team.
“Being named to the Preseason All-ACC Team is an honor and a recognition of the work that’s been put in,” Harp said in an interview with the FSView. “But at the end of the day, it doesn’t change how I approach the season. It’s motivation to keep improving and earning everything on the field.”
Four of the ’Noles selected for the Preseason All-ACC team also earned national recognition on the USA Softball Top 50 Watch List for the 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. The list includes Beachum, Francik, Harp, and Torres, placing them alongside elite talent from conference rivals Clemson University and Duke University.
In the national rankings, the Garnet and Gold hold the No. 7 spot in ESPN’s Softball Preseason Top 25. This ranking marks Florida State as the highest-rated team in the ACC, followed by No. 12 Clemson and No. 17 Stanford University.
The Seminoles softball season officially begins Feb. 5, opening with the FSU Classic tournament at the Seminole Softball Complex. This season features strong early-season competitors. While the team handles national expectations, the focus remains internal.
“I’m extremely excited about the upcoming season,” Torres said. “I have complete trust in this team and strong confidence in what we’re capable of because of the work we’ve put in together. We love to compete, and the energy within this group makes it possible for us to go head-to-head with the best teams in the country.”
Caitlin Doherty is a Staff Writer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
This article originally appeared on FSU News: FSU softball garners record five preseason All-ACC spots
Reporting by Caitlin Doherty, Staff Writer, FSView / FSU News
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