WINTER HAVEN – For a Polk State Softball staff with seven pitchers, it's important to get as much pitching perspective as possible. For two days this week, Polk State hurlers took coaching from someone who once pitched from the same circle as them.

Twice per week, former Polk State pitcher Brittany Anderson will be working with the pitching staff. Following Tuesday's doubleheader at Pasco-Hernando State College, the Eagles have a sub-3.00 ERA as a team.

"I was flattered to be asked to come out here," Anderson said. "This group of pitchers has great potential and so much to offer. I think they all have great careers ahead."

After beginning her playing career at Warner University, Anderson pitched at Polk State in 2009. That season, she finished second on the team in innings pitched, wins, and strikeouts behind only Italian softball legend Greta Cecchetti. Under first-year Head Coach Jeff Ellis, Polk State won the Suncoast Conference that year.

"It's always good to have past Polk State Softball players want to come back and help their alma mater," Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. "It speaks to the community and culture here. She knows what it takes to win at this program. Knowing how to win is very important."

"She was once where we are, so she understands where we're coming from" sophomore Jamie Reinhardt said. "She knows the mental side of the game. She's been really good at recognizing the little things."

Through 15 games this season, Polk State is 9-6. Despite a recent rough stretch, the Eagles are off to their best start since 2014.

"When I was walking out here, it brought back a lot of memories," Anderson reflected. "It was so cool to be out on these fields again. The coaching staff here is doing a great job. Helping the girls improve, getting to the next level, and turning this program around are Kevin's top priorities. He definitely means business."

Over the two days, Anderson worked with pitchers on the technical aspects of the game such as drive mechanics and pitch spin. Lewis raved about the job that Assistant Coach Holly Jones and Pitching Coach Madison Edwards have done with the pitching staff but added that a new perspective will be beneficial.

 "A new face, new drills, and learning different ways things can be accomplished are helpful for a pitcher," Lewis explained. "She teaches a lot of the same things that our pitchers have already been taught. Having a new set of eyes is going to be beneficial."
 

Dee Allen and Reinhardt, both sophomores, have anchored the pitching staff so far this season. Freshmen Tessa Anderson, Kaylyn Mitchum, Sarah Sosa, and Avery Curtis have also seen time in the circle.

 "Having another coach work with us gives us new perspective," Curtis added. "We worked on new drills. Brittany is definitely experienced in telling you how to feel things."

Anderson has given private lessons and specialized instruction for nine years now. She's the pitching coach at Complete Package Softball Academy and Operations Director at Bartow-based Legends Softball, powered by Under Armour, which has 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U travel teams. Providing lessons to her alma mater, however, was a free labor of love.

"I love giving back to the softball community," Anderson said. "My family didn't have a ton of money growing up. There were coaches along the way who did that for me. I try to help as many people as I can."