WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Softball's three assistant coaches haven't been with the program long but are already starting to fill a void within the community.

Noticing the need for individualized instruction from youth players, Tate McClellan, Madison Edwards, and Holly Jones are now providing private lessons. McClellan works with hitters and fielders while Edwards gives instruction to pitchers. Jones works with outfielders and pitchers.

"It's extremely important for a community to have a place or person they can go to for instruction, because it's so limited, especially in our area," said Edwards, a native of Lakeland. "Parents have told me how hard it is to find a coach to work with their kids."

Coaches at a college program for the first time, none of the three are new to college softball. All three were recently accomplished players.

"Getting that one-on-one time with a hitting and fielding coach allows players to really focus on mechanics and work on specific aspects of their game," McClellan said. "You don't always get that during practice. It's a great opportunity to improve mechanically."

McClellan spent five seasons at East Carolina University, an NCAA Division I program in Greenville, N.C. A power-hitting first baseman, McClellan was a four-year starter for the Pirates from 2017 to 2020. She finished her collegiate career with 31 home runs, including a team-leading 10 as a redshirt junior during the 2019 season.

"We're building relationships with local travel ball programs and high schools," McClellan added. "Knowing what Division I coaches look for in hitters and fielders is important for young players with aspirations of getting to that level."

Edwards, Polk State's pitching coach, was a three-time All-Conference pitcher at College of Central Florida and Emmanuel University. After posting a perfect 12-0 record and stellar 0.89 ERA as a freshman during the COVID-shortened 2020 season at College of Central Florida, the Lakeland native was named the Mid-Florida Conference Pitcher of the Year and a first-team All-FCSAA selection in 2021. She was an All-Conference Carolinas selection in each of her final two years at NCAA Division II Emmanuel.

"The biggest benefit I've seen is the love they gain for the sport after working and seeing their improvement," Edwards explained.

A native of Palm City, Fla., Jones was a two-way player at Jensen Beach High School where she earned All-Area first team and FHSAA Class 5A Player of the Year honors in 2013. Jones would go on to spend two years at Agnes Scott College, an NCAA Division III program in Decatur, Ga. In 2014, she earned Great South Athletic Conference (GSAC) first-team, All-Freshman, and Pitcher of the Year recognition.

"Getting that individualized attention allows them to ask questions and really focus on the fine details," Jones noted. "With three females who played not that long ago, this really is expert instruction they're getting here. We look at them on an individualized basis and that allows us to really refine their mechanics."

Proceeds from the private lessons benefit Polk State Softball and partially compensate the assistant coaches for their time and expertise. Because students are on campus, they are introduced to the idea of higher education.

A former college athlete in his own right, Head Coach Kevin Lewis aims to engrain his program in the softball-rich community and make it a destination for local athletes. Lewis once provided private lessons himself in Michigan. Having assistants available to provide private lessons will help with that vision.

"There is so much to be gained from one-on-one with people who know what it takes to play at the next level," Lewis said. "Most seasons are played in the spring, but private lessons in the offseason are a great way to get better. We want Polk State to be the place where local players go for their instruction."

For pitching lessons, contact Edwards at maddisone02@gmail.com. For hitting lessons and fielding lessons, McClellan can be reached at tmcclell@polk.edu. Jones can be reached at holly13jones@gmail.com.