LAKELAND – Polk State Soccer looks to close the regular season with a bang on Sunday as it plays host to Saint Leo University JV. For six players, however, it will be an emotional day.

Polk State will hold its annual Sophomore Day. Prior to the scheduled 12 p.m. kickoff, the six sophomores will be recognized.

"They are phenomenal people with phenomenal personalities," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "They're all really good leaders in their own way. Whether it's being vocal, leading by example or bringing toughness, each one has a special quality. They really set a positive culture for this year's team."

Meet the sophomores

The six sophomores have been integral to Polk State's success, but each of their journeys has been different.

"They have been through a lot," Shivraman said. "They became the beacon."

Janessa Crespo began her collegiate career at Saint Leo University before transferring to Polk State. Redshirted last season, Crespo has emerged as one of the best players in Region 8.

"This is a great environment," Crespo said of Polk State. "Everyone has been welcoming and that's what really stands out about here. Last year was rough because I really wanted to be out there but even though I didn't play, I felt like I was part of the team. I pushed myself to still help the team as much as I could."

Entering the final match of the season, Crespo leads Region 8 with nine assists and ranks in the top five in goals (7), points (23) and shots (32).

A native of Plant City, Kiana Kropp arrived at Polk State for the 2023 season. After not playing last year, she returned to the program this year – as a wife and a mother. Kropp has continued to be a force for the Polk State offense. With three goals and three assists, she ranks third on the team with nine points.

"I wanted to finish what I started," Kropp reflected. "I've worked at this since I was 5 years old. I wanted to make sure I finished my college career. With Coach Dee, (Assistant Coach Brian McNulty) and staff, you certainly notice their passion and commitment. They really prepare you and help you get better. They sacrifice so much for this program."

A native of Davenport and a former standout at Ridge Community High School, defender Sofia Salas was two years removed from high school and hadn't really entertained playing college soccer. Playing for Four Corners Football Club in Davenport, Salas was approached by the club's overseer – then a first-year assistant at Polk State –McNulty. After a tryout, Salas enrolled at Polk State.

"I tried out, pulled through and am so glad that I did," Salas explained. "I'll never forget the people I met here – the coaches, the great teammates, the different personalities. We all fought for each other. At the end of the day, we became a family."

A native of Spain, Paula Cortijo has been playing soccer since she was 8 years old. Entering Sophomore Day, Cortijo ranks in the top five on the team in assists (3) and points (7).

"To play soccer in the U.S. has been one of my dreams since I was a child," Cortijo recalled. "It has been an experience I'll never forget. Everyone here is a family member to me. My coaches and teammates are always here for me and checking on me. I feel so welcome here. I've matured and grown so much."

Natives of Zimbabwe, Natasha Muchakati and Delight Kuboya haven't been home since making their commitments to Polk State prior to the 2023 season. For international players like Cortijo, Muchakati and Kuboya, their arrival has come with a lot of firsts. They experienced team activities like camping and jet skiing among others for the first time.

"I may forget some of the games, but I'll always remember my teammates," Muchakati said. "The first time we went to the beach, I almost drowned, but we laugh about it now. Coach Dee took me to Taco Bell for the first time, and I had to pretend to like it. Overall, I'm more expressive and more vocal. It's a dream to play soccer. I wanted to be challenged and be a better version of myself. I've seen positive results and really spread my wings here."

A native of Zimbabwe himself, Polk State Assistant Coach Tawanda Kaseke was instrumental in bringing Muchakati and Kuboya to Polk State. Both Muchakati and Kuboya have seen their personal growth since arriving. While Muchakati has become more outgoing, Kuboya has become more independent.

"Being far from home is hard, but it's been a chance for me to work on my weaknesses," Kuboya said. "You have to tell yourself that everything is going to be fine and stay focused even though you're far from home. I'm proud of how I've become more independent and learned to deal with different situations. My teammates and coaches treat me like family, and I feel at home."

Becoming a force

In Region 8 that features two of the last four national champions, including reigning champion Daytona State College, the Eagles have proven they can compete with anyone under Shivraman. But with a lot of close matches against elite competition, Polk State began the 2025 season on a 12-match losing streak against Region 8 competition.

"This program accomplished great things under (Bill "Tiger" Read) and Jessica Belli before me," Shivraman said. "We took steps to getting back there this year. We want to leave the program in a better place than we found it."

To open Region 8 play, Polk State scored late to salvage a 1-1 draw on Sept. 11 with a Miami Dade College team that would eventually find itself nationally ranked, snapping the 12-match skid. Five days later, the Eagles scored their signature win of the Shivraman era with a dramatic 3-2 win over then No. 6 Eastern Florida State College.

"It was very satisfying," Salas said. "We're a great program that is only going to get better."

"Injuries held us back last year, but I feel like we've accomplished great things this season," Cortijo said. "We've created such a strong bond. I'm going to miss everyone so much."

"It has been very rewarding," Muchakati added. "We knew we could have played better last year. We stayed motivated. I didn't come all this way to lose. We've shown we can stand toe to toe with anyone. Polk can go really far."

The rear view and the road ahead

During their time at Polk State, the program's sophomores made lifelong friendships and memories that will last forever. The bond with the coaches is something that both the coaches and players say they will forever cherish.

"Coach Dee is like a second parent," Muchakati said. "He's always checking on us and making sure we're OK, especially during the holidays. I'm not sure I would have had that experience somewhere else. Coach Teekay is the same way. Coach Brian is like an uncle and (Assistant Coach Paige Russell) is like an older sister."

"They're the most caring and compassionate people I've ever met," Salas added. "They're patient and understanding. I wish I could have played for them my whole life."

"I'm grateful for the relationships I've forged," Kropp exclaimed. "In soccer, there are people from so many backgrounds and belief systems. When you're on a team, those barriers are gone. I've made great memories through soccer. I'm grateful for everyone here at Polk State."

Although the regular season ends on Sunday, Polk State will try to keep its national NJCAA Tournament dreams alive next week when it takes part in the Region 8 Tournament. The Eagles will need to win a pair of matches to advance. Regardless of the result, outgoing sophomores believe big things are ahead for the program.

"We're a very different team than we were a year ago," Crespo said. "We clicked on and off the field this year and next year's group of sophomores are going to be even better. Polk State has a very bright future."

Several others offered advice for returning, future and potential Polk State players.

"Work hard every day and give 100%," Cortijo concluded. "Be structured and open minded and check on your teammates. Come to Polk State. There are people here from all over the world. It's an experience you'll never forget."

"Take the education part very seriously," Crespo added. "Even when things get tough, don't give up."

"Timing is short," Kropp noted. "I've realized how fast it goes. I'd encourage players to enjoy it and make the most of the opportunity."

Although Shivraman is excited to watch his sophomores try to finish strong and make noise at the Region 8 Tournament, he's also looking forward to seeing what they do beyond the pitch. As a college coach, Shivraman has made four appearances in the NJCAA Tournament, but most rewarding is the lives he's had a chance to impact.

"With this group, I've had the fortune of watching them grow as people," the head coach reflected. "They have great spirit. Some have found their voices here. With their attitudes, they're going to be successful in everything. I can't wait to see what they will accomplish with their lives."