Seminole State Raider Athletics geared up for new seasons

With the 2019 season starting this week, Seminole State College of Florida’s athletics teams are gearing up for spring play. Raider fans can expect an enhanced sporting experience, including new additions to the baseball and softball fields and a ton of fresh talent, with 34 new players spread across the rosters of Seminole State’s baseball, softball and women’s golf teams.

The baseball season kicks off with the home opener on Friday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. at Jack Pantelias Field on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.  The softball team follows a week later with their home opener on Friday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Raider softball field. 

Improvements continue on both fields with the installation of sun shades over the bleachers, ensuring spectators have a memorable and cool experience while viewing the games. 

Friday’s game will also be the first time that fans unable to make the first pitch can view the game with new live streaming capabilities. A total of 17 home games (both baseball and softball) will be streamed live this season, making it possible for fans to view the games online and from smart devices. 

Baseball Season Preview

The Raider Baseball team finished with a 24-26 record last season and Head Coach Mike Nicholson, who already has 10 of his student-athletes committed to 4-year schools following this season, is ready for a stellar season. With the addition of 12 new players to the team, everyone will be watching Sophomore Haden Erbe on the mound. The right-hander is projected to be one of the top pitchers in the country this season. 

Softball Season Preview

The Raider Softball team, under the leadership of Coach Courtney Miller, is ready for another great season. They finished with a 52-15 score last year, and Coach Miller won her 1000th game.  

Coming back for another year is Sophomore Chelsea Peace, who placed third in the Nation for home runs, as well as eight returning Raiders from last year. 

The Raiders will kick off their season with the JUCO Kick-Off Classic in Clearwater facing two Richard Bland Community College from Virginia, as well as two South Florida teams.  

While attending home games with the Raiders, you may notice that there is a new voice on the field. We’re happy to announce that Special Olympian Scott Lienard will be the announcer for the team this Spring. 

Women’s Golf Team Update 

The Seminole State women’s golf team has some big shoes to fill -- their own. The team was #1 in the in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)  at the end of the last season. The student-athletes will tee up on Feb. 17 led by Coach Christa Teno, who was named the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Coach of the Year for 2018. Coach Teno is ready to test the athletes' stamina with events at top-flight NCAA Division I events. 

The team of eight, including three new freshmen, will head to Nationals in May but not before hosting the Spring Break Classic on their home turf, and playing at the Bethune-Cookman Tournament. 

Seminole State Athletes encourages everyone to attend the home events to cheer on their student-athletes. Faculty, staff, and students get free admission to all home games by showing your ID at the ticket booth.