WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Softball didn't finish the season the way it had hoped but Friday night's season finale will be a time for reflection for eight sophomores.

Prior to the contest against State College of Florida-Manatee, those eight will be recognized as the program celebrates Sophomore Night. Polk State enters the contest with a 16-25 record as the sophomores take the field for the final time.

"I hope they have the most success in life," Head Coach Mark Skapin said of his outgoing sophomores. "I hope Polk State taught them a lot. I hope they go on to get their four-year degrees. I hope they use it to make other people's lives better. I'd tell them to take all the hard lessons we've learned this year, apply them to the rest of their lives, find out what they're completely passionate about and really dedicate their lives to what they want moving forward."

After a 14-28 finish in 2022, Polk State got off to a 13-14 start this year – its best since 2018. Suncoast Conference play, however, has been unkind to the Eagles. Polk State has gone just 3-11 in conference but for the sophomores, the memories have made the experience worthwhile.

"I'll remember the people I met, not necessarily the game itself, but the people the game brought me and all the bus rides and all the memories we made together," said infielder and pitcher Kailey Guethle, an All-FCSAA performer in 2022. "It is fun. You won't necessarily remember your batting average or how many times you struck out, but you'll remember how you dealt with adversity and how your responded."

Overcoming adversity and being willing to adjust

For Polk State, there has been plenty of adversity in 2023. Guethle and catcher Alexis Hollinger are two starters who suffered significant injuries. Hollinger started each of the Eagles' first 17 games and emerged as a leader behind the plate. After missing more than a month, she returned to the lineup on Saturday.

"I feel like as a person, Polk State has made me learn more leadership skills," she said. "My coaches have helped me be a better leader and helped me call pitches behind the plate. My advice to a future softball player would be to not take anything for granted. Play every day like it's your last."

After 14 appearances as a freshman, injuries kept pitcher Sophia Palazini from appearing in a game this season. Still, she found a way to contribute as a de facto assistant coach for Skapin.

"I'll remember all of the good times – how I've grown as an athlete and a person," she reflected. "I've learned you have to be open-minded and willing to go with the change. Never be close-minded about anything because you never know how it will help you grow. I've learned a lot behind the scenes – the coaching aspect, the playing aspect. I've learned how to love and respect the game in a whole new way."

One major adjustment that sophomores were forced to make in 2023 was adapting to a new coaching staff. Skapin replaced Donna Byars, who left to become an assistant at Southeastern University, but wasn't hired until December – less than two months before the start of the season.

"My coaches this year pushed me to a new level and made me realize I could do things I didn't think I could at the beginning of the year," said Jacey Bisbee, who moved to the infield after pitching exclusively as a freshman. "On the field, I've grown a lot. I've been able to develop a short-term memory and move on to the next play. Personally, I think I've become more open-minded."

Bisbee wasn't the only sophomore who was asked to try something new this year. Kaitlyn Nieves moved from the infield to the outfield and played in 21 more games than the previous season while excelling defensively.

"My coaches, especially this year, have helped me find my true home which is in the outfield," Nieves said. "I had never played outfield in my life, but it's been the best thing for me. My advice for future Polk State Softball players is to be open-minded. It's not like every school. It's fun, but you have to make it fun."

Breakout seasons

As far as the outfield goes, sophomores Kanitria Antenor and Alma Fernandez have been two of the more consistent players in the lineup. Limited by injuries last season, the speedy Antenor has enjoyed a stellar season at the top of the Polk State order. She leads the team in runs scored (34), triples (4), and stolen bases (28) while batting .360.

"I've learned to trust myself more," Antenor said. "No matter what I do, I'm going to get something from it. At the end of the day, I know I'm going to find a way to be successful. My coaches taught me not to give up and to push myself more and have confidence in myself."

Fernandez has been perhaps the most pleasant surprise this season for the Eagles. After batting just .225 as a freshman, Fernandez has emerged as one of the best junior college outfielders in Florida. She's raised her average by nearly 200 points while leading the team in several offensive categories, including batting average (.411), doubles (15), RBIs (29), on-base percentage (.515), and slugging (.607).

"Coach Mark has really helped me with my hitting," she said. "Last year, I wasn't the best, but Coach Mark saw something in me. I put in a lot of hard work and really focused on what I was doing."

For pitcher Kyra Ward, Polk State is her fourth school in three years. Previously at Chipola College and Daytona State College, Ward has been a welcome addition to the pitching staff. Ward led the team with eight complete games, which included a masterful two-hit shutout of Daytona State, her former school, for Polk State's first win on Feb. 9.

"I've grown to control my demeanor better on the mound," Ward explained. "My coaches have helped me with my confidence. I came here with low self-esteem and not a lot of confidence in myself. Coach Mark has taught me just to have fun."

Although the season fizzled, 2023 was not without its accomplishments. It took the Eagles seven fewer games to equal last season's win total and three fewer to eclipse it. The team also lowered its earned run average by more than half a run and ranked in the top 50 nationally in that category.

"I'll remember the bus rides, the gamedays, the strikeouts, the relationship I built with my catcher, and just so many moments," Ward reflected. "For future athletes, I'd say have fun, be yourself, don't dwell on the past, don't dwell on one game. Just learn from your mistakes and move on."

Beyond the field

When the sophomores arrived, Polk State was coming off back-to-back 5-23 seasons. Over their two years, they were part of 30 victories – triple that of the sophomore class that preceded their arrival. The improvement, however, goes beyond the field.

"I've definitely grown up a lot here," said Guethle, who will go on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Polk State. "From being a senior in high school to being thrown into this college atmosphere forces you to grow up very fast. I've learned to be independent and manage my time."

When asked about what they'll remember from their time at Polk State, the answers from the sophomores were almost unanimous – each other.

"I'll remember hanging out with my friends," Antenor said. "They're like family at this point. We see each other every day – before practice, after practice. They're like a built-in family that you didn't have to ask for."

Nieves and Fernandez offered similar sentiments.

"I'll remember all my friends that I get to call family and all the memories that we made – going to away games, warming up, all the practices, and just having fun," Nieves reflected.

"I'll remember the bus rides," Fernandez added. "We have a lot of fun, play music. My teammates are my friends and they're really funny."

Looking ahead

As Polk State says goodbye to its sophomores, several offered advice for future players.

"I would say to play like it's your last game," Antenor suggested. "It goes by so fast. You never know when it's going to be over. Have fun with it."

Skapin is optimistic about the future of the program. The Eagles are slated to bring in a large and talented recruiting class. They'll also have Webber International University transfer Savannah Jacobs healthy and ready to contribute.

"When people think of Polk State, I want them to think of family," the first-year head coach said. "I want them to think of being selfless – putting the 'we' in front of the 'me' -- high energy, passion, a love for the game, and a respect for your opponents."