LAKELAND – It's far from unusual for athletics teams to name captains before or early in the season, but Polk State Soccer Head Coach Dee Shivraman has taken a unique approach.

For the 2023 season, Shivraman has named seven players to be part of his leadership council. Prior to each match, the council selects two of its players to serve as captains for that specific match.

"Sometimes at the risk of selecting just one or two captains, you overlook players who have diverse perspectives or views," the first-year head man said. "This gives our team a number of players they can turn to. It's been fruitful for us. It provides opportunity for honest feedback."

Shivraman made his selections based on several factors, including familiarity with the program. Three returning players – Melissa Del Valle, Lovelie Pierre, and Meg Shivraman – were selected to be part of the leadership council.

"It's nice to be thought of as a leader," said Del Valle, a sophomore midfielder. "I appreciate the added responsibilities and being able to help the team out."

"It's a great opportunity for me to inspire my teammates," said Pierre, a sophomore forward and the team's leading scorer. "I've really learned to be able to trust myself more than before and to be a good example for my teammates on and off the field."

Shivraman noted that the members of the leadership council have a wide range of skills. Some are vocal leaders during practices and matches while others are good listeners who are willing to help teammates with struggles that are often unrelated to soccer.

"We mesh really well together," Meg Shivraman, a sophomore midfielder said. "The leadership council was a great idea. Everyone selected is a leader in their own way. Combined, we make a really good team."

While three of the six returning players were selected for the council, four others are first-year players. All four are freshmen but have unique experiences.

"It means a lot," said Dylan Fernandez, a midfielder who earned her Associate in Arts degree at Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School. "I just hope I can help my teammates to be selfless and kind and to be a good leader."

"I wasn't expecting it as a freshman," said Kiana Kropp, a midfielder who scored the first goal of the season for the Eagles. "I feel more of a responsibility to be a leader on the field. I definitely hope to grow because that's been an area where I've struggled."

While Fernandez already has a college degree, Kropp brings a unique perspective as a previously homeschooled student. Aleyshka Orellano, a defender and midfielder, is a transfer from NCAA Division I Florida Gulf Coast University.

"It helps me to stay disciplined, knowing I can help others reach that next level," Orellano said of being selected for the council. "I'm extremely grateful."

With the exception of international players, midfielder Anisa Lahbiki is one of the few players coming from out of state. Lahbiki, a midfielder, is a native of Novi, Mich.

"I'm a long way from home, being from Michigan, but being part of the leadership council has been very exciting," she said. "It's a great way to work closely with teammates and takes a lot of stress off just one individual. It allows us a group to be there for the rest of the team and brings the entire team together."

In addition to serving as leaders on and off the field, the council has another important role – picking where the team eats before and after games. Through two matches, Polk State has feasted on the field. The Eagles are 2-0 while outscoring their opponents 10-1.

"The mix of youth and experience has been a nice blend," Coach Shivraman added. "It helps me cover a lot of areas and I've been able to get honest feedback."