WINTER HAVEN – With the sophomores leading the charge, Polk State Volleyball enters the final days of the regular season in position for a return to the FCSAA Tournament. Those sophomores will be celebrated prior to Wednesday's home finale against Daytona State College.

As they take the Health Center floor for the final time, Rezzan Guner, Alexia Ortiz, Isabella Ramos and Marina Santos will be recognized as part of the program's annual Sophomore Night. Ortiz and Ramos are the first players to spend two years under Head Coach Jessica Beal.

"I've had the two returners with me since day one. I've watched them mature into powerful young women," Beal said. "They've evolved as leaders and done everything that has been asked of them. The transfers, Rez and Marina, have also been great. They've bought in and helped shape a strong culture."

Meet the sophomores

One of just two players on the roster from Florida, Ramos has been a key piece to the Polk State puzzle since her arrival. Last season, she led all FCSAA freshmen in digs per set, averaging 3.06. This season, Ramos ranks fourth in that category, averaging 3.7, but her improvement isn't limited to the court.

"I'm mentally tougher," Ramos explained. "I've become a better all-around player and really come out of my shell. I've become more vocal and stand my ground more than ever. Sometimes, I have to be the bad cop to get us to play better."

Ramos and Ortiz are both team captains. During her career, Ortiz has filled up the box score. For Polk State, the native of Puerto Rico ranks in the top two in just about every offensive category, including kills per set (1.98), assists per set (1.29) and points per set (2.7). Ortiz leads the team and ranks third in the FCSAA, averaging 0.57 service aces per set.

"The coaches have helped me believe in myself," Ortiz said. "They've brought out my talents. As a teammate, I've learned to have fun. I know this won't last forever, so I've tried to enjoy every moment."

As a freshman last season, Ortiz did something that no Polk State athlete had accomplished in more than a decade. Against nationally ranked Eastern Florida State College, Ortiz finished with 10 kills, 14 digs and 14 assists, becoming the first player to record a triple-double for the program since Rachel Aguilar in 2012.

"It was my first season ever setting," Ortiz recalled. "Coming into the year, I didn't know what my role was going to be. To accomplish that was amazing and it showed me that I could do great things at this level. I was really proud of myself."

A native of Italy, Santos began her collegiate career at Casper College in Wyoming. As a freshman last season, Santos averaged 2.54 digs per set in 16 matches, but less than one kill per set. A 6-foot-0 outside hitter, Santos has evolved into a key piece of the offensive arsenal for Polk State, averaging a team-best 2.34 kills per set – good for 10th in the FCSAA.

"My teammates have been very supportive and have really brought out the best in me," Santos noted. "I feel comfortable and confident that I can improve every day. I'm grateful to be able to contribute to this team."

A transfer from Marshalltown Community College in Iowa and a native of Turkey, Guner had played in just six collegiate matches prior to arriving at Polk State. For the Eagles, Guner has become a key rotational piece, appearing in every match. In the season opener against nationally ranked Trinity Valley Community College, Guner set a career-high with seven kills. Nine days later, she set a career-best with seven digs in a 3-1 win over St. Petersburg College.

"I grew so much here," Guner exclaimed. "Before the season, Coach Jess told me she was going to tear me apart and build me back up and that's just what she did. I suffered so many injuries before here. I'm so grateful for the culture and the coaches here and the professors who have helped me so much – both as a player and academically."

A signature moment

When Beal took over as Polk State head coach prior to the 2024 season, she was met with many challenges. Without a single returning player or an assistant coach, the Eagles went winless in conference play. As the calendar turned to October this season, Polk State welcomed in nationally ranked Eastern Florida State. The Titans had just pushed reigning national champion Florida SouthWestern State College to five sets. But during its annual "Dig Pink" match, the Eagles would not be denied, winning a five-set thriller.

"That was one of the best nights of my life," Ramos said. "I knew in my heart that we would win that match. Even through last year's struggles, I grew and never stopped believing in this program. Being able to win that one and watching Alexia get the last kill was just so perfect."

Ortiz's clinching kill gave the Eagles a 15-11 win in the decisive fifth set and capped a 16-kill, four-ace evening. The victory snapped a streak of 16 straight losses in Citrus Conference play.

"It was a great moment," Ortiz said. "We worked so hard for it. To put in all the work and finally get that win was very rewarding."

It was the sophomores who shined that night for Polk State. In addition to Ortiz's big night, Santos added 14 kills. Ramos led the way with 17 digs.

"To win on Dig Pink night was very emotional," Santos added. "To be part of Coach's first conference win was great. We did it for her."

Reflections

During their time at Polk State, the sophomores have been fortunate to have been impacted by their coaches, teammates and the staff at the College. Prior to the start of this season, Beal added her first assistant in Hunter Parrish. Parrish had previously coached Ramos in club volleyball.

"I've known Hunter since I was 16 and he's full of wisdom," Ramos said. "With Jess, I was the first player she coached here. We've meshed really well together. She's changed the way I play completely but for the better."

"Coach Jess pushed me to my limits," Guner added. "She saw things in me that I didn't know I had. Coach Hunter is a trusted rock that we all know we can lean on. We can go to him, and he'll listen and help any way he can. I always wanted to play in the U.S. Coming here was a big decision for me, but it was the right decision."

All four sophomores credited their families for their successes as well. Santos described the camaraderie with her teammates as a sisterhood, although she noted that sisters sometimes fight.

"I'll miss living with my teammates and our routines," Santos reflected. "I'm very grateful for everyone who was part of this year for me. I learned to trust myself because my coaches said that they trust me; that's what I needed to hear. I needed this. I think it was God's plan for me to be here."

"My coaches made me confident in myself – as a person and a player," Ortiz added. "I was a shy person, but they took me out of my comfort zone and had me try new things like being a setter. They saw things in me that I didn't see in myself."

Like the others, Guner said that her growth since arriving in August has gone beyond volleyball. One of the most important things she's done as Polk State is to make meaningful relationships.

"Coach Jess helped me so much, but she's not the only one," Guner explained. "I've learned how to connect with people and hold myself accountable. I've learned to appreciate what's important – the connections, real friendships. That's what I'll always remember."

Moving forward

As their Polk State careers near an end, sophomores offered advice for future players and returning teammates.

"Work hard but enjoy every moment," Ortiz concluded. "Now that it's coming to an end, I realize how much these people mean to me and how special it is to be with them every day. I thank my family as well – I wouldn't be here without them."

"Give it your all in everything you do here," Ramos urged. "Leave your heart on the court and build strong connections with your teammates and be a good person. I'm so thankful for my family and coaches."

Without a returning player last season, Beal had just two sophomores in 2024, but both moved on to four-year programs. With Ramos and Ortiz being her first two-year players, the second-year head coach offered well wishes as this year's sophomore class moves on to the next stages in their academic careers and lives.

"I want them to be happy and to continue to do and pursue the things they love," Beal said. "These four are all capable of great things. I hope they continue to work hard and strive to accomplish whatever they want out of life."

With the sophomore class leading the way, Polk State has nearly doubled its win total from last season. The Eagles enter a pivotal stretch with matches remaining against Daytona State College, Eastern Florida and Santa Fe College. Currently in possession of the final FCSAA Tournament spot, Beal said the sophomore class was instrumental in getting Polk State back to its winning ways.

 "They pushed us with their leadership and have demanded a higher standard," Beal noted. "They've been crucial to our successes. We've been together in the trenches since day one. This will always be a special group to me. I'm just so proud of them."