WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Baseball's 2024 season may be over, but for each of the 12 outgoing sophomores, their careers will continue.

The program celebrated eight signees in the fall. Since then, the four remaining have found new homes.

"I'm proud of this sophomore class for how they conducted themselves on and off the field," Head Coach Al Corbeil said. "I'm looking forward to watching them contribute at the four-year level and get their college degrees."

Infielder Evan Wainman and outfielder Kelsen Johnson were once high school teammates at Newsome High School in Lithia, Fla. before becoming teammates once again this past season at Polk State. They'll remain teammates at Georgia Southwestern State University, an NCAA Division II program in Americus.

"It seemed like the best fit for me," Wainman said. "They had the best offer. I didn't want to miss this opportunity."

As a sophomore this past season, Wainman played in all 58 games for the Eagles. He batted .279 and ranked second on the team in doubles (13) and RBIs (37) and third in home runs with three.

"Polk was a blessing in disguise," he reflected. "That's all because of (Corbeil). We learned life lessons and gained a lot of knowledge outside of baseball."

A utility man, Johnson played just one season at Polk State after earning All-Suncoast Conference honors as a freshman at St. Petersburgh College in 2023. Johnson spent time for the Eagles in the outfield, infield, and behind the plate as a catcher.

"I wish I could have spent more time at Polk," he said. "(Corbeil) pushed us and was very honest and genuine with us. He really cared about developing us as players and people. Having him as a coach helped spark my love for baseball again."

In his lone season at Polk State, Johnson batted .287 with two home runs and 20 RBIs. His .412 on-base percentage ranked second on the team. He'll be joining a Georgia Southwestern State program currently in the midst of a second straight winning season.

"I went to visit and talked with the coaches, and it seemed like a good fit," Johnson explained. "I got hit in the face and was injured during the fall, but they made it clear that I was still their guy. They were very supportive. When Evan got his offer, that solidified it for me."

Pierce Glading, a local product from Auburndale High School, will also play Division II baseball in the Peach State. Glading has signed with Valdosta State University.

"They were the first four-year school to really show interest in me," Glading said. "It was a good offer and I felt like I was a good fit."

A two-way player for Polk State this past season, Glading ranked second on the team with a .317 batting average to go with 22 RBIs and a .404 on-base percentage – good for third on the squad. He made nine appearances on the mound, striking out 16 batters in 14.1 total innings.

"Polk prepared me in a way no other school could have," Glading noted. "From conditioning to preparing me mentally, I grew so much."

The final Polk State sophomore to sign will be heading back to his hometown. Pitcher Aiden Butler, a Tallahassee native, has signed to play NCAA Division I baseball at Florida State University.

"During the early part of the spring, they wanted me to visit," Butler said. "Getting everything paid for and going back home to have a chance to play in front of my family was very important for me."

Butler earned first-team All-Citrus Conference and second-team All-FCSAA honors for the Eagles this past season. He finished with an 8-4 record and 3.67 ERA in 15 games while recording 83 strikeouts in 81 innings. The 6-foot-6 right-hander was among the FCSAA leaders in wins and strikeouts.

"(Corbeil) and the staff at Polk State helped me tremendously," Butler added. "They helped me so much through the recruiting process. I wouldn't be where I am without Polk State."

The outgoing sophomores helped continue a strong tradition for the Eagles as the program reached the FCSAA Tournament for the fourth straight year. Polk State is one of just four FCSAA Division I programs to win at least 30 games in each of the last four seasons.

Polk State Baseball Signees

Name, position, signed
• Aiden Butler, P, Florida State University
• Trevor Caldwell, P, Jacksonville State University
• Ryan Combs, P, University of Tennessee
• Pierce Glading, OF/P, Valdosta State University
• Kelsen Johnson, OF, Georgia Southwestern State University
• 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, C, University of Central Florida
• Aaron Stelogeannis, IF, Lipscomb University
• Evan Wainman, IF, Georgia Southwestern State University