Florida State University Athletics
Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2014
Florida State softball star Jessica van der Linden is among the most highly decorated athletes in the history of FSU and widely considered one of the best to ever play the game collegiately.
A pitcher and outfielder from Cerritos, Cal., van der Linden swept the USA Softball Player of the Year and the Honda Award as a senior in 2004. In addition she was a back-to-back ACC Player of the Year selection in 2003 and 2004 and was also a two-time first team NFCA and Easton All-American those same seasons.
Jessica is considered the most complete player in FSU softball history with hall of fame worthy achievements as a hitter, pitcher and outfielder. She averaged over .400 as a hitter in 2003 and 2004, won 29 games with 20 shutouts her senior season in the circle and finished her career with a .361 batting average and 76 wins. She led the Seminoles to the Women’s College World Series in 2002 and 2004.
Van der Linden was a three-time All-ACC selection as well as the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2001. In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the ACC, the top 50 players in league history in each sport were named and Jessica was selected as one of the all-time Top 50. Van der Linden is married to former FSU football player and 2004 NFL draft pick Michael Boulware.
