WINTER HAVEN -- Last season, Polk State Softball had just three returning players. For 2025, it has tabbed four returning sophomores as team captains.

Infielders Savannah Jacobs and Nayeli Hernandez, utility Jamie Reinhardt, and outfielder Veronica Fernandez have been named team captains for the 2025 season. The Eagles will open in Madeira Beach on Jan. 24 at the JUCO Classic.

"These sophomores have been through a lot during their time here," second-year Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. "They're the glue to the program. They had to do a lot on their own until I was hired here. They're the epitome of what leadership is."

Hernandez, the starting shortstop and lead-off hitter last season, returns after earning first-team All-Citrus Conference honors. With a .420 batting average as a freshman, Hernandez had the highest average for a Polk State player in five years. She was the lone freshman to be named a team captain last year.

"It's a great honor to be a team captain again," she explained. "Being a captain last year helped me learn more about the game. I'm a great communicator on the field. As shortstop, you're the leader on the infield. I've grown as a player – both mentally and physically."

Jacobs, also a returning captain, is in her third season with the program, but has yet to appear in a game for the Eagles. She's suffered season-ending injuries in each of the last two seasons. After recovering from a torn ACL in 2023, Jacobs missed all of 2024 with an elbow injury.

"I did a lot of praying," she reflected. "I never once questioned my path. My mom always told me to never quit and never give up. I won't give up on a sport I spent my whole life playing. Being around the girls always lifted my spirits."

While injured, Jacobs served as a de facto assistant coach. Unable to be on the field with her teammates, Jacobs was able to gain new perspective from the dugout.

"Being outside the lines, I see things I didn't when I was between them," Jacobs explained. "I didn't realize how hard coaches worked until I was sidelined. It's a different perspective and has been a great learning opportunity for me."

While Jacobs has served as an example of perseverance, Reinhardt did whatever she had to as a freshman last season to help her team. A second-team All-Citrus Conference selection in 2024, Reinhardt played several different positions and ranked second on the team in batting average (.321), hits (52), and stolen bases (11). Reinhardt also led the team with 147 innings pitched and tied for the team lead in wins with five last season.

"Being a team captain allows me to represent something bigger than myself," Reinhardt exclaimed. "I want to put my team first. Being able to let my coaches know that I'll do whatever they need me to hopefully brings them some relief. I also want to be able to lead and have my teammates know I'm there for them."

Fernandez played in all 52 games for Polk State last season and finished third on the team with 18 RBIs. She was also third on the squad with four extra-base hits.

"It's an honor to be seen as someone who can help lead the team," Fernandez said of being named a captain. "As a team, I want us to have a good, fun year. I want to help us play up to our potential."

Polk State is coming off an 11-41 season but had a productive fall. With a deeper roster and pitching staff, captains say the Eagles have the potential to have a special season.

"I think the bigger coaching staff will definitely help," Hernandez said. "They've been great to work with. All the sophomores returning have a strong connection and the freshmen coming in are very talented. We're definitely a better team than last year."

In total, the 2025 roster features eight total sophomores. Pitcher Dee Allen, outfielder Chelsi Rae' Hebert, and infielder Natalie Hiles give the Eagles seven returning players. Polk State also brings in Karyna Lewis, the head coach's daughter, who hit .459 at Hocking College in 2023 and earned All-Ohio Community College Athletic Conference honors.

"It's a sophomore class unlike any I've had before," Coach Lewis concluded. "The freshman are learning a lot from them and when they're sophomores, they'll hopefully know how to lead. They ease my burden tremendously. I'm lucky and blessed to have them. This is the best group of leaders I've had at any level. They're amazing."