For Arnold High School alum Alex Steen, college baseball was supposed to be a dream come true. After committing to Florida Southern College, a well-regarded Division II program, the talented pitcher had high hopes for his freshman year. But less than a year into his collegiate career, Steen made a decision that left many in shock: he was leaving Florida Southern and transferring to Florida State University.
“I never thought I’d transfer after one season,” Steen admitted. “But things weren’t what I expected once I got there.”
In an exclusive interview, Steen opened up about the difficult decision, citing a mix of personal challenges, unmet expectations, and a desire for a higher level of competition. “I wasn’t growing the way I thought I would,” he said. “On and off the field, I felt stuck. I realized I needed to be in an environment that would push me harder.”
Florida Southern, while known for its strong baseball tradition, didn’t provide the pace and intensity Steen was craving. “The coaching staff was great, the guys were good to me, but something was missing. I needed to raise the bar.”
The decision to transfer wasn’t easy. NCAA transfer rules, mental pressure, and leaving behind teammates all weighed heavily on him. “I lost sleep over it,” Steen said. “There was a lot of anxiety, a lot of second-guessing. But at the end of the day, I knew I had to do what was best for my future.”
Now at Florida State, a Division I powerhouse, Steen says he’s ready to prove himself. “This is where I need to be. The energy, the grind — it’s different here. It feels right.”
While the move raised eyebrows, Steen’s focus remains clear: becoming the player — and person — he always knew he could be.
