Skip to main content

Florida State’s Annabelle Widra can do it all for the Noles

Reitzheadshotby:Nicole Reitz•about 10 hours•

nicolereitz02

Screenshot 2025-03-18 at 9.20.07 PM
Courtesy of Florida State Athletics

Annabelle Widra sat in the opposing dugout of Joanne Graf Field during the NCAA Regionals against Florida State. The magical atmosphere of Tallahassee and the Seminole program entranced her. 

The Florida State bats exploded in an electric late push against Auburn. The insurance three-run home run by Isa Torres left the crowd at the Seminole Softball Complex booming with cheers and applause. They were moments away from clinching a spot in the super regionals, and the celebratory air was palpable. 

The Tigers ultimately failed to catch up, resulting in a 10-4 loss to close their season on an unsatisfactory note. Head coach Mickey Dean had coached his last collegiate game before retirement. That left Widra struggling with the disappointing loss and envisioning the future of her career without a coach she had grown so fond of.

After transferring from Michigan to Auburn after her freshman season, she pondered if transferring to a third program would be crazy. However, upon returning home, she couldn’t shake the feeling the Seminole culture left her with. 

“I came (to Tallahassee) for regionals, and getting to experience the atmosphere and everything that Florida State softball is about was truly magical in a sense,” Widra said. “The amount of support that the girls got sparked my interest. I followed along with them when they got to supers after Auburn lost, and seeing how the girls played for each other, and the staff and the Seminoles across their chest stood out to me. I wanted to be a part of that.” 

FLIM STUDY: ANNABELLE WIDRA

With one last year of eligibility, Widra figured if she hit the portal, she would hit it with deliberate intent. Yes, she entertained other options, but with one last chance to win a national championship and be a part of a serious program, she only had eyes for FSU.

“I want to win a natty more than anything,” Widra said. “I would give up any personal accolade to win a national championship. Coach Lonni and the staff knew that Florida State was my top interest, and that was evident before I came on campus for my visit. I would love to come home with two ACC championship rings, regular season and tournament, but I want to win a natty. I am ready to raise a trophy and dog pile.” 

Widra brings with her one impressive resume. As a right-handed pitcher, infielder, frequent home run hitter, and with multi-conference experience under her belt, head coach Lonni Alameda couldn’t pass up the chance to add her to her roster. 

“We have been fortunate to have two-way players before,” Alameda said. “In the portal, when we saw (Widra’s) ability to help us in the infield, hit, and pitch, it was kinda like getting a Mack Leonard or Ashtyn Danley. It gave us so many options for strategy and skillsets; it’s pretty awesome for us. I think where we are benefiting is her experiences are helping us, too. She played at Michigan and Auburn so not only is she skilled, she has great experiences.” 

Being so impactful in all areas of the field is what Widra prides herself on. From early on, she has always worked to be the dependable player who can fill in anywhere on the diamond and step up when needed, a feat that not many collegiate athletes can say. When she isn’t shining in the circle, she’s filled in a hole at second base for FSU and regularly acts as the designated hitter. 

“I chose this lifestyle, and I am very proud of what I do because not many people can do it,” Widra said. I never gave up on myself. I never quit pitching, never quit infield, never quit hitting. You don’t have to be put in a box. If you can do it, you should do it until you feel like you can’t, and you should never let anyone tell you no. This sport should have more multi-dimensional players. It offers a lot to the team and gives us many different options.” 

Widra proved to be the ace of the Seminoles.

Opening her final season in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, she had two RBIs and one hit, and she pitched 7.2 innings, logging no earned runs between three games. During the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, she pitched nine innings in two games, struck out six, and added two hits and three RBIs. At the end of February, she earned the win with 2.1 innings against FGCU and contributed with four hits and four RBIs.

Taking on pitching with Alameda has given Widra an edge she has never had before. Alameda stresses a one-pitch-at-a-time mindset and leans into finding what makes each pitcher unique, striving to make them the best. 

“I have pretty much been a curveball pitcher my whole life. But we are trying to build off what I do well and make my other stuff better,” Widra said. “We have had constant conversations and gone back and forth about what will make me the best version of myself. She dove into me and was like, ‘This is who you are, this is where we are going to get you, and we are going to keep going.’”

The season thus far has filled Widra’s cup. Her untraditional journey to being with this high-standard team is one she will always be thankful for. Still captivated by the aura of the program, she indulges in what it means to be a Seminole day in and day out. No matter where Team 42 ends up, Widra has already won. 

“It is such a blessing because I am sure when seeing transfer twice, it doesn’t come off as the coolest thing ever. But I wouldn’t trade all the practices and all the lifts, all the conference games for the world because it led me here,” Widra said. You are going to see FSU continue to fight, learn, and compete until the very last stop in the seventh inning.”

SEC Power Rankings | ACC Power Rankings | Big 12 Power Rankings

You may also like