The War Chant Weekly: April 1st
“I’ve Always Been a Florida State Fan” Wes Mendes Living Out His Seminole Dream
Florida State baseball is off to an impressive start, particularly in conference play. The Noles sit atop the ACC standings and look to keep building that momentum as they move into April.
John Fletcher Butler of Seminole Student Boosters recently spoke with Wes Mendes, Florida State’s junior left-handed ace, at Dick Howser Stadium. Mendes, a lifelong Seminole fan, transferred from Ole Miss prior to the 2025 season. “I’ve always been a Florida State fan,” Mendes said. “Both my parents went here, so I grew up coming to football games and visiting campus just about every year. I love it here.”
In his fourth season as head coach of the Seminoles, Link Jarrett, a former Florida State shortstop under legendary coach Mike Martin and a two-time National Coach of the Year, continues to lead the program with an incredibly high standard. Butler asked Mendes what it’s like playing for Jarrett. “It’s awesome,” Mendes said. “I’d say he’s the best coach in the country. He’s the most prepared guy I’ve ever played for.”
Dick Howser Stadium is widely regarded as one of the premier atmospheres in college baseball. From the Animals of Section B to frequent appearances by the Marching Chiefs, the Florida State program has built a national reputation for having some of the best fans in the sport. Butler asked Mendes how the Howser crowd impacts his performance and that of the team. “The Animals are something I’ve never experienced before,” Mendes said. “I’ve been in a lot of really cool opposing atmospheres, but the Animals are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. All the fans at Howser really get us pumped up.”
As conference play intensifies, Butler also asked why students should make it a priority to attend games at Howser. “We’ve got a great team,” Mendes said. “It’s going to be fun — we’ve got an electric atmosphere, and it’s just a great time. Club Howser is unlike anything else, so come out and enjoy yourself.”
Florida State hits the road this week to face a strong Virginia team in Charlottesville before returning to Mike Martin Field for the season’s final matchup with the Florida Gators. As the stretch continues, the Seminoles will look to their fans to bring unmatched energy and keep Dick Howser Stadium the best environment in the country.
Behind the Plate with Isa Torres
Florida State softball junior, Isa Torres continues to embrace every moment of competing at the Division I level. In a recent interview with SSB PR member Adriana Alvarez, Isa reflected on her journey to Tallahassee and what motivates her on and off the field.
Isa began playing softball at just four years old, inspired by her older sister. “My sister played, so I was kind of inspired by her,” she said. “I grew up playing travel ball, rec ball, and high school softball, just starting from the bottom and continuing to work to play at the highest level. Now I’m here at Florida State.”
After watching Florida State compete against UCLA in 2021, she knew where she wanted to be. “I remember watching that game and thinking, ‘I want to play for Florida State,’” she said. “Their energy and their vibe were amazing, you could feel it even through the TV screen.”
As the season continues, Isa says her focus is on keeping the team motivated during the challenges of conference play. “ACC play gets tough, especially playing three games against the same opponent,” she said. “My goal is just keeping the team optimistic and moving forward.”
One of her favorite memories at FSU came when the team traveled to London together over the summer. The trip helped bring the team closer together after welcoming nine freshmen. “It was really cool to travel abroad with the whole team,” Torres said. “Experiencing another culture together helped us connect faster.”
For Isa, stepping onto the field at Florida State is something she never takes for granted. “Being on this field is something we’ve dreamed of since we were little girls,” she said. “I’m just really grateful to be here.”
When asked to describe her softball career in one word, Isa kept it simple: “Positive.”
Make sure to come out and support the Women’s Softball team this weekend at their home field as they face Notre Dame!
SSB Baseball Tailgate Success
Seminole Student Boosters delivered a standout showing this weekend with a packed baseball tailgate ahead of Game 2 of the Duke series. Long before the first pitch, the tents were buzzing as students, parents, and fans gathered for a beautiful sunny afternoon with good food, cold drinks, and the kind of environment that makes baseball season in Tallahassee feel special.
The turnout was one of SSB’s strongest this year with parents mingling alongside students and alumni as the pregame excitement built.
That good energy carried straight into the ballpark. In a completely sold out back‑and‑forth thriller, the Noles beat Duke 12–11, clinching the series in a dramatic fashion and giving fans the perfect end to a great day for FSU sports.
From the SSB tents at Heritage Green to the final out, Saturday was a celebration of Seminole spirit at its finest.