WINTER HAVEN – For collegiate athletics teams, most of the roster comes from outside the area. For Polk State Softball, however, the roster is more local than most.

Entering the 2023 season, four of the 16 players currently on the roster hail from Polk County – the highest percentage for any of Polk State College's five teams. Four others are from neighboring Hardee, Lake, and Osceola counties.

The Eagles also brought in transfer Savannah Jacobs. Redshirted this season, Jacobs played most recently at Webber International University in Babson Park. Players and coaches say Polk and the surrounding counties' competitive softball culture – from travel ball through high school – make it a hotbed for recruiting.

"They're tough and they're competitive," first-year Head Coach Mark Skapin said of his local players. "I credit that to the good high school programs in the area. The kids from Polk County -- they're very proud of Polk County."

Kailey Guethle, a two-way player, and second-team All-State performer last season, starred at Bartow High School before coming to Polk State. She said Polk County high school teams and players are held to a high standard.

"A lot of big teams play here," Guethle said. "I think Polk County has a hate-to-lose mentality. That's important."

Including honorable mention selections last season, Polk State had eight players named to the All-Suncoast Conference team. Four played their high school softball in Polk County while another was from Hardee.

Through the ranks

Opponents in high school, many of Polk State's players shared fields long before that in recreational leagues and travel ball competition.

"Playing against one another is one thing, but it's neat to become teammates," said third-year pitcher Sophia Palazini, who played at Auburndale High School. "It puts things in a new perspective. A lot of us have the same mindset, because we played for some of the same coaches."

Baileigh Herrera, a freshman pitcher, played at Hardee High School in nearby Hardee County. Growing up, however, most of her tournaments took place in Polk.

"All the travel ball I played was in Polk County," she said. "A lot of girls go into softball, hoping to play in college one day. I heard about the Polk State Softball Program my whole life."

Playing at Bartow, Guethle noted that the Yellow Jackets usually got the better of Auburndale where Palazini played. During their head-to-head high school playing careers, however, there was an upset pulled by the Bloodhounds. Guethle notes that Palazini still reminds her about it.

"We all grew up playing against each other and with each other, so everyone knows everyone," Guethle said. "At Bartow, we played Auburndale all the time. It's cool that we now get to work together to accomplish a common goal."

Hometown support

Having local players is often reflected in the stands for Polk State. Parents attend home games and often make the trip for road contests.

Guethle noted that her proximity to her family is one of the reasons she chose Polk State. Her grandfather, who died in June, was able to see the final game of last season in person.

"It's somewhat comforting," she said. "Having your family present can mean added pressure, but it's good for the team support-wise."

"It's like your family is still part of your career," Herrera added.

For Palazini, being close to home wasn't the only factor in her decision to attend Polk State. The academics, she said, also played a significant role.

"Polk has the best Nursing Program around," she explained. "That's what stood out compared to all the other places I had offers from."

For the local players, staying home has been comforting. Playing together and against one another through the years has created a sense of familiarity.

 "Sometimes with a new team, it can be intimidating at first," Palazini said. "It never was here."