LAKELAND – Injuries have been an unfortunate theme for Polk State Soccer in 2023, but for the program's sophomores, the experience is one they won't soon forget.

Seven sophomores take the home pitch for the final time on Tuesday as Polk State celebrates Sophomore Day. The Eagles will wrap up the regular season against Ave Maria University JV.

"Coming in as a new coach, not knowing the layout or team culture, the sophomores' maturity really solidified things early on," first-year Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "They take a lot of pride in Polk State and the program and what it has accomplished over the years.

"That's a unique thing to find nowadays," Shivraman added. "With the younger generation, everything is fleeting and instant gratification. With our sophomore class, it's all business. They bring a leadership quality on and off the field."

A strong culture

This year's sophomore class features six returning players. Entering Tuesday's contest, the sophomores have compiled a combined 26-6-1 record over their two years.

"The bond I formed with my team was truly special," midfielder Yerika Pereira said. "We were like a family, always there for each other. It's an amazing feeling to know that your teammates have your back, and you have theirs."

The lone transfer, midfielder Aleyshka Orellano, spent her freshman year at Florida Gulf Coast University – an NCAA Division I program in Fort Myers. Orellano, the team leader in assists, said she initially felt like she was taking a step back but has enjoyed her experience.

"What's special about this program is the sisterhood we have in the locker room, outside the locker room, and on the field," she said. "I'm talking about a family, a sisterhood, wanting you to do well, not being selfish, not having cliques on the team. Everyone here is talented – inside and out. No one is going to judge; we all have each other's backs."

As the season began, Shivraman insisted the players engage in team-building exercises. Multiple players mentioned a mask exercise where they illustrated or painted both sides of a mask. On the outside was how they felt perceived by others and on the inside was how they perceived themselves.

"We were all very vulnerable with each other and it bonded us," said Meg Shivraman, a midfielder. "The girls on the team – I'm really close to them. They've become really special people on my life."

An accomplished group

While Polk State can make a return trip with two wins in next week's Region 8 Tournament, the returning sophomores were part of one of the greatest seasons in program history as freshmen in 2022. The Eagles finished as Region 8 regular season and tournament champions before reaching the national NJCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009.

"What I'll remember most is going to nationals – that whole experience," goalkeeper Ella Sebree said. "Being part of the top teams in the country and competing against each other for one spot was cool."

The Eagles settled for a 1-1 finish in pool play at the national tournament in Evans, Ga., but finished with a record of 18-2 in their final season under Jess Belli. The 18 victories were the second-most in program history.

"Going to nationals was such a memorable thing," forward Melissa Del Valle said. "I think I'll always remember that time with my teammates. I'll never forget my coaches and the impact they made along the way."

During the 2022 season, Polk State put itself on the national radar with a thrilling 2-1 upset of No. 1 Eastern Florida State College, the reigning national champion. Forward Lovelie Pierre scored the game-winner in overtime, but to get it there, Del Valle footed home the equalizer in the 74th minute.

"It was an amazing game overall," Del Vall recalled. "The intensity was very high. We were all super hyped up. For me to be the person who tied the game and gave us a chance to win was an amazing feeling."

The upset victory helped the Eagles garner the Region 8 regular-season title, but in the Region 8 Championship, it was again Pierre who played the role of hero. Her header in the 62nd minute accounted for all the scoring in a 1-0 win over Daytona State College.

"I'll always remember the championship – the final against Daytona," Pierre said. "I was the one who scored the final goal."
 

Personal growth and overcoming adversity

Rather than one or two team captains, Shivraman developed a leadership council for this season. Orellano, Meg Shivraman, Del Valle, and Pierre were the sophomores selected. Sophomores say being part of the council has brought out better leadership qualities.

"I've definitely been more open this year than last year," Del Valle said. "I've become more confident with my play and in school. I'm in Health Sciences, which is an amazing program. Polk State has some of the best programs."

Sebree has been one of the top goalkeepers in the country as a sophomore in 2023, but as a freshman, she was forced to watch from the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum. The Lakeland native said it took a mental toll not being able to help her team as they put together a historic season.

"Having an injury is pretty hard mentally and physically," she reflected. "Seeing everything the girls did and not being able to be a part definitely hurt."

For Pierre and midfielder Edjenie Joseph, both natives of Haiti, adjusting to a new country has not been without its challenges.

"I've studied business and learned so much," Joseph said. "This has given me an opportunity for the future. My teammates helped me so much. I'm thankful for my coaches for giving me the chance to play at Polk State."

In addition to all of her heroics last season, Pierre was among the nation's top goal scorers early in 2023 with nine. She was named NJCAA Player of the Week in early September. Unfortunately, an ACL tear ended what could have been an All-American season after just five matches.

"As an international student-athlete, it's not easy for me to deal with a lot of new things compared to where I came from," Pierre said. "I kept working hard. Coach Dee is a great, great person. He's really a good coach, also. He made me feel like I was not only an athlete, but I learned to focus on myself as a person first and an athlete second."

For the season, Polk State has a record of 8-4-1. The Eagles have clinched their fourth straight winning season, but Dee Shivraman said he's proud of his team for more than what they've accomplished on the pitch.

"The focus with athletes is always on the field of competition, but academically, I'm really proud of them as well," the head coach added. "I cannot wait to see what's ahead in the next chapters of their books."

Coaches' impact

Pierre was not alone when she spoke of the impact that the coaches had on her time at Polk State. For Orellano and Meg Shivraman, the head coach's daughter, the 2023 season was something of a reunion. Both were coached by Dee Shivraman at Olympia High School in Orlando.

"Playing with someone I consider a father has been amazing," Orellano said. "Coach Dee met me when I was a freshman in high school. Ever since then, he's seen a bright future for me. I see him as more than a coach as well as (Assistants) Coach (Tawanda Kaseke) and Coach (Jacob) Sweeney. They want what's best for me."

Concluding the coaching staff this season has been Fitness Coach Jalen Lozano and Special Projects Coach Hector Velez.

"They not only care about our success in soccer, but they check in on us to make sure we're doing OK mentally, physically, and emotionally," Pereira added. "Coach Dee has shown me what it means to have a coach who cares and makes you feel valued. He ensures that every single person on the team is heard."

"The biggest impact that my coaches have had on me is my personal growth," Meg Shivraman said. "My team has become a second family to me. We're together 24/7 and I know I would go through the wall for them, and they would do the same for me."

Advice for future Polk State players

As the sophomores move on to four-year schools, their academic programs, or the workforce, they'll leave behind a winning legacy. They offered advice for future Polk State players.

"The advice I'd give for future Polk State Soccer players is to be yourself and try your hardest," Del Valle advised. "Come in as yourself, leave as yourself and leave it all on the pitch. My two years here have been amazing. Polk State has a great program and is a great school."

"The advice I would give to future Polk State players is to come in with a positive attitude and give it your all," Meg Shivraman said. "Two years fly by and you're going to want to enjoy it."

Pereira also advised future players to value their time at Polk State.

"My two years at Polk went by so quickly, but I wouldn't trade them for anything," she said. "Being a student-athlete is challenging. Balancing sports, academics, and personal life can be overwhelming at times, but it has made me so much stronger and more determined to achieve my goals. My experience at Polk will always hold a special place in my heart, and I'm incredibly grateful for every moment."

Sebree said that Polk State is a great college soccer program regardless of division or classification.

"The advice I would give to people considering playing here is to not worry about it being junior college," the goalkeeper said. "We're one of the top junior colleges in the country and we beat schools who are NAIA and D-III."

While players offered advice for future players, Dee Shivraman offered words of wisdom and encouragement as his sophomores move on.

"Enjoy every day," he urged. "For athletes, I always tell them you're just an injury away from everything being taken away. Enjoy every moment and just be th