In an era where big-money offers dominate college sports headlines, Florida State softball coach Lonni Alameda just made a decision that proves loyalty still matters.
According to insiders, Alameda—who led FSU to its first-ever Women’s College World Series title in 2018—turned down a $3 million contract offer from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to remain with the Seminoles. The Bruins, who have long been a powerhouse in women’s softball, reportedly offered her a five-year deal to replace their retiring head coach.
Instead, Alameda delivered a heartfelt message to her team Monday morning: “This place made me. I’m staying until the last pitch.”
The emotional declaration stunned players and thrilled fans, many of whom feared the veteran coach might be lured to the West Coast after nearly 17 seasons in Tallahassee.
“I had offers. Tempting ones,” Alameda told reporters later that day. “But when I looked around at these athletes, this campus, and the legacy we’ve built—there was no price high enough to make me walk away from that.”
Alameda has been the face of FSU softball since 2009, transforming the program into a national contender. Under her guidance, the Seminoles have appeared in 12 NCAA Tournaments, made four WCWS appearances, and have become known for their aggressive style and unshakable culture.
The news spread quickly on social media. One fan posted, “She turned down $3 million to stay a Seminole. Name the field after her already!” Another wrote, “Not all heroes wear cleats.”
Former players also weighed in. Jessie Warren, who hit the iconic diving catch in the 2018 title run, tweeted: “Coach A is FSU. That’s it. That’s the tweet.”
Florida State Athletic Director Michael Alford issued a statement shortly after the announcement: “We are beyond fortunate to have a leader like Lonni Alameda. Her decision to stay speaks volumes about her character, her love for this university, and her commitment to these student-athletes.”
With her eyes set on another championship run, Alameda summed it up best:
“They offered a job. But Florida State gave me a purpose.”
And just like that, she became a legend all over again.
