VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Wesleyan University Softball is thrilled to announce that Lonni Alameda, head coach of the Florida State Seminoles softball program and one of the most respected voices in collegiate softball, will serve as the keynote speaker at their 5^th annual First Pitch Dinner on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Alameda brings decades of experience and excellence to the First Pitch Dinner stage. As head coach at Florida State University since 2009, she has built one of the most enduring and successful softball programs in the nation. Under her leadership, the Seminoles have:

• Appeared in the Women's College World Series five times (2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023), including winning the program's first-ever national championship in 2018.
• Captured eight ACC regular-season titles and nine ACC tournament championships.
• Amassed more than 900 career wins
• 7X ACC Coach of the Year—most recently in 2025.

In addition to her on-field success, Alameda's off-field resilience has inspired many. Earlier in 2025, she publicly shared her diagnosis of breast cancer, yet continued to coach through treatment—a testament to her strength and commitment to the game of softball and her players.

"Lonni is one of the best softball coaches in the country," said Head Softball Coach Brandon Elliott.  "More importantly, however, is Coach Alameda is one of the best human beings in the country.  Her message is always inspiring, and I am honored that she will be sharing that at our First Pitch Dinner."

The First Pitch Dinner will kick off with the MVP Meet and Greet at 6 pm with dinner immediately following at 7 pm.  Tickets for the dinner start at $60 for kids and are $75 for adults with a seven-top table starting at $500.  Entry to the MVP Meet and Greet is an additional charge and there are several sponsorship opportunities available as well.  Tickets and Sponsorships can be purchased at WWW.VWU.EDU/FIRSTPITCH.

Prior to the First Pitch Dinner, Coach Alameda will attend the First Pitch Hitting Camp with the Virginia Wesleyan Softball program from 9 am – 11 am and will then present at the First Pitch Coaches Clinic alongside Elliott from 12:30 pm – 3 pm.  Registration for the First Pitch Hitting Camp can be found at WWW.MARLINSOFTBALLACADEMY.COM and the First Pitch Coaches Clinic at WWW.VWU.EDU/FIRSTPITCHCOACH.

Prior speakers have been Patrick Murphy (2019), Carol Hutchins (2022), Mike Candrea (2023) and Jocelyn Alo (2025). For more information please contact Coach Elliott at belliott@vwu.edu.