WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Volleyball Head Coach Jessica Beal has just one season under her belt but is already achieving one of her goals of helping players move on to four-year programs. Three players have signed to continue their athletic and academic careers.

"Coaching at the junior college level, our main goal is to develop our athletes as much as possible – academically, athletically, and their character," Beal said. "Watching them move on to continue their careers at a higher level is very rewarding."

A native of Miami, setter Sofia Sanchez, who wants to study nursing, will be heading home. Sanchez has signed to play at St. Thomas University, an NAIA program in Miami. St. Thomas finished 33-1 with a conference championship, top 10 national ranking, and as a national quarterfinalist this past season.

"It's a great, winning program," Sanchez explained. "I liked the coaching style. It has a great atmosphere and culture. Academically, they had my program."

After beginning her career at St. Augustine University, an NCAA Division II program, Sanchez shined in her lone season in Polk State. She led the Eagles and ranked ninth in the FCSAA, averaging 4.82 assists per set. Sanchez also averaged 2.35 digs per set – good for fourth on the team.

"I matured a lot this past year at Polk," Sanchez reflected. "I networked and really stamped myself as a person. I had people here for me in every respect, in every department. I can't say enough about Coach Jess. I literally love her."

Like Sanchez, outside hitter Rebeca Correa will remain in the state to continue her career. A native of Brazil, Correa has signed with Baptist University of Florida, a National Christian College Athletic Association Division II program in Graceville. With the launch of athletics recently announced, Correa will be a member of the university's inaugural team.

"When I was searching for a university, I wanted to find a Christian school because my faith is important to me," Correa explained. "The coach, like me, is Brazilian, so I'm excited to learn again in my first language."

Correa battled injuries during her lone season at Polk State but appeared in 12 matches. She set a career-high with seven digs against nationally ranked Daytona State College on Oct. 5.

"Polk helped me a lot," Correa added. "I became more vocal. Coach Jess really helped with my technique. I'll cherish the relationships I've made here."

Giulia Beatriz, also a native of Brazil, will head southwest. She's signed to play for Wayland Baptist University, an NAIA program in Texas.

"Since I moved to the United States, my main goal has been to find a university that offers excellent academic support and an even better athletic structure," Beatriz explained. "Wayland Baptist University, just like Polk State College, has an outstanding academic system and an even stronger athletic program, as most of the students are athletes looking for a university that helps them balance both areas. Since it is a Christian university, I have the opportunity to do what I love while staying connected to my faith."

An outside hitter, Beatriz played in 12 matches for Polk State as a freshman this past season. She ranked fifth on the team, averaging 0.21 service aces per set.

"Polk State College was my first college in the United States, marking the beginning of my dream. All the professors had a huge impact on my academic journey by showing me how education works in the U.S. and helping me rediscover my love for studying," she added. "On the athletic side, I'm especially grateful to Coach Jessica for giving me the opportunity to represent the team in the conference and for being part of such an important process in my life—always supporting me with her advice, her humor, and for showing me that I'm capable of much more than I sometimes believe. I'm truly thankful to Polk State for everything it offered me."

With an entirely new roster in 2024, Beal is happy to see a quarter of the roster, including both sophomores, move on to four-year programs.

"It's exciting to see their hard work pay off," Beal added. "These are hard-working, high-character kids who deserve the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers at good programs."