WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Softball sophomore pitcher Sophia Palazini got to throw just one pitch in her uniform this season. It didn't come in an actual game, but to her, it meant everything and to her coach, it was a well-deserved honor.

Prior to Polk State's 4-2 win over State College of Florida-Manatee on Sophomore Night on April 21, teammates gathered around as Palazini got to fire one last pitch to her catcher Alexis Hollinger. It landed in the strike zone and teammates immediately embraced her.

"It was my way of finishing out the season and my career," she said. "It made me feel better about the season I had."

Given an extra year of eligibility following the COVID-19 pandemic, Palazini was in her third year with the program. Unfortunately, the Auburndale High School graduate tore her labrum swinging a bat on Jan. 9 – less than one month before the start of the season -- and was out for the year.

"I really, really wish she could have pitched for us," Head Coach Mark Skapin said. "She really had a mound presence about her. She's a tactician in the circle and I would have liked to have seen what she could have done."

With playing softball this season no longer an option, Palazini found another way to contribute – as a de facto assistant coach. With a coaching staff that consisted of just Skapin and Assistant Coach Sylvia Welsh, the third-year sophomore became invaluable.

"Sophie was tremendous," Skapin said. "I don't know if I could have done it without her. I've seen so many athletes get depressed or anxiety after an injury of this significance. She's had a tremendous attitude all throughout this."

Rather than sulk, Palazini felt obligated to be there for her teammates. Walking away from softball, she said, never entered her mind.

"I love the game and I love my teammates," she explained. "I'm committed to the team and I'm glad I stayed with it because I really enjoyed it. Coach Mark is a great coach and passed along his knowledge. He made the transition smooth while implementing his style as a coach. He's been so supportive and understanding throughout this whole process. I really learned a lot about the game."

Scheduled to have surgery on May 19, Palazini is eligible for a medical redshirt, which would give her another year of eligibility. Instead, she decided that her shoulder had been through enough.

"Keeping her around was a no-brainer because she was willing to be there every single day," Skapin added. "On top of her schoolwork, I gave her softball homework that she had to do to help our team. She was someone I knew I could rely on."

Palazini has already completed her Associate in Arts from Polk State and expects to complete her Bachelor of Applied Science from the College in Supervision and Management. She plans on applying to Polk State's Nursing Program this summer.

"Nursing was a deciding factor in coming to Polk State," Palazini reflected. "Polk State has one of the best programs and it was close to home."

Nursing and softball have long been her passions. Next year, she plans on doing both. Palazini expects to continue to serve as a student assistant for Skapin.

"Coach Mark really loves this game and he wants everyone else to want it as badly as he does," she said. "That's how you win. I'm just thankful to have had the opportunity to play."

While she plans to be a full-time nurse one day, Palazini hopes to be able to stay around the game as a volunteer coach at some level. She's already given private lessons to travel ball players.

"The fact she wants to balance nursing with being a volunteer assistant shows much she really loves the game," Skapin suggested. "It shows her passion and it shows her drive."

Despite being without Palazini for the entirety of the 2023 season, the Eagles increased their win total from the previous year by three games and finished tied for third in the Suncoast Conference – their best finish since 2015. Polk State's season was riddled with injuries, but Palazini is proud of the way her team battled.

"I definitely think we could have went further," she added. "Even with key players out, we had a lot of players step up. They were forced to learn new positions, but they never gave up."

Not unusual for junior colleges, Polk State is slated to lose two of its top three pitchers and its top two hitters next year. Palazini, however, looks forward to the challenge.

"I think this is the next chapter for me and that I can really help with our pitching," Palazini said of remaining an assistant. "This game has taught me a lot and given me so many opportunities."