WINTER HAVEN – Moving its sophomores on to four-years schools is as time-tested a tradition for Polk State Baseball as playing the national anthem before the first pitch.

Eight sophomores have put pen to paper this fall, including seven NCAA Division I signees. Entering his 14th season as head coach, Al Corbeil has now watched more than 130 Polk State players move on to four-year schools during his tenure.

"They've absolutely earned this," Corbeil said. "Our guys know they have to work hard on the field, in the classroom, and in the weight room. Four-year schools know that when they sign a Polk State player, they're getting someone willing to put the work in and to do whatever it takes to get better."

The first two Polk State players to sign this fall will be staying in state. Aris Rivera, a catcher and first baseman, will be making the short trek to the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando.

"It was my No. 1 choice," he said. "It's close to family, close to home, and has great academics. It just felt like a great fit during the recruiting process."

Initially a walk-on, Rivera was a pleasant surprise for the Eagles as a freshman in 2023. In 42 games, Rivera hit .276 with a pair of home runs and 13 RBIs.

"Polk State gave me the tools I needed to build a great work ethic and the mindset to overcome any challenges I face," he added.

Another walk-on last season, infielder Roberto Odor has signed with Saint Leo University, an NCAA Division II program. As a freshman, Odor earned second-team All-Suncoast Conference honors, batting a team-best .354.

"I was motivated to get better," Odor said. "Everyone told me I was too small. I grinded in the weight room and on the field."

Pitcher Evan Koehler will also be staying in-state to play at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa. Koehler emerged as the ace of the pitching staff last season, finishing with a 7-1 record and 3.33 ERA as a freshman.

"It's close to home and I really liked the facilities," Koehler said of USF. "The nutritionists will help me train and be the competitor that I am."

Last season, Koehler earned first-team All-Suncoast Conference honors and All-FCSAA honors. Koehler led the team with 92 strikeouts – good for fourth in the state – in a team-high 75.2 innings pitched.

"Polk State helped create the mindset I pitch with," Koehler said. "It showed me that I have to work hard to be at the level I want to be."

The state leader in saves last season with 11, Ryan Combs was named the Suncoast Conference Fireman of the Year in 2023. Combs will be joining his brother Aaron Combs, also a pitcher, at the University of Tennessee.

"They have great facilities and a great all-around program," Combs said. "I really liked their energy. My brother being there helped with my decision, also."

Combs earned first-team All-Suncoast Conference honors last year for the Eagles. In addition to the 11 saves, Combs ranked second on the team with six wins.

"Polk State has prepared me mentally and physically," Combs noted. "Living on my own has made me more independent and being a part of this team has taught me to play the game the right way."

Infielders Aaron Stelogeannis and Damion Kenealy will also be headed to the Volunteer State. They'll remain teammates at Lipscomb University, a Division I program in Nashville.

"It was good fit for me," Stelogeannis said. "I liked the staff, and the environment was great."

"The campus was awesome," Kenealy added. "I really like the academics and felt a bond with the coaches."

Stelogeannis batted .273 as a freshman for Polk State with 29 RBIs. With 14 stolen bases last season, he ranked third on the team and is the leading returner for the Eagles in that category.

"The coaching staff at Polk State has taught me so much," Stelogeannis said. "I've learned what hard work really is."

Kenealy hit .292 as a freshman with a team-high-tying six home runs and 38 RBIs to earn second-team All-Suncoast Conference honors. Kenealy also pitched in nine games last season for the Eagles and expects to be a two-way player for the Bisons.

"Polk State gave me the opportunity to play right away," Kenealy said. "The staff really worked with me and got me to where I am today."

Infielder Greg Pettay, a UCF transfer, and pitcher Trevor Caldwell will each be playing Division I baseball next season in the state of Alabama. Pettay has signed with the University of South Alabama.

"I liked the staff," he said of his decision. "I made an immediate connection. I like the conference as well. The Sun Belt is very competitive."

Caldwell will attend Jacksonville State University. The right-hander finished 3-2 last season for Polk State with a 4.32 ERA and 69 strikeouts in just 50 innings of work.

"It felt the most like home," Caldwell said of Jacksonville State. "I felt comfortable on my visit. The coaching staff made me feel important."

Despite not arriving at Polk State until this fall, the program has already made an impact on Pettay. Pettay appeared in just 16 games for the Knights last year.

"I've learned you have to work hard for everything you're given," Pettay said. "You really have to earn everything."

As it transitions to the new 12-team Citrus Conference, Polk State is coming off a 33-23 season in which the Eagles made a third straight FCSAA Tournament appearance. All 11 of last season's sophomores have since moved on to four-year schools.

"Polk State has taught me how to compete and work hard," Caldwell concluded. "It's built my character up a lot. What you're willing to work for is what you're going to get."

Polk State Baseball Signees

Name, position, signed
• Trevor Caldwell, P, Jacksonville State University
• Ryan Combs, P, University of Tennessee
• Damion Kenealy, IF/P, Lipscomb University
• Evan Koehler, P, University of South Florida
• Roberto Odor, IF, Saint Leo University
• Greg Pettay, IF, University of South Alabama
• Aris Rivera, 1B/C, University of Central Florida
• Aaron Stelogeannis, IF, Lipscomb University