WINTER HAVEN — Polk State Softball's best season in a decade has culminated in four players earning All-Citrus Conference recognition.
Outfielders
Chelsi Rae' Hebert and
Karyna Lewis, infielder
Nayeli Hernandez, and catcher
Leia Hurst were each named to the All-Citrus Conference second team on Friday. It was the second All-Conference recognition in the career of each of the three sophomores.
A redshirt sophomore from Louisiana, Hebert was an All-Suncoast Conference selection as a true freshman in 2023 before missing all last season with a knee injury. In her final year with the program, Hebert supplied the power for the Eagles, finishing with a .359 batting average to go with team-leading totals of 61 hits, nine home runs, 51 RBIs, and six triples. The nine homers are the most for a Polk State player in six years.
Lewis spent her freshman year at Hocking College in Ohio where she earned All-Ohio Community College Athletic Conference honors in 2023. In her lone season at Polk State, Lewis led the team with a .395 batting average to go with six doubles, four triples, 31 RBIs, and a .448 on-base percentage. The Michigan native ranked in the top 20 in the FCSAA in batting average.
A first-team selection last year, Hernandez has earned All-Citrus Conference honors for the second straight season. A native of Kissimmee, Hernandez hit .329 with 20 RBIs and a .440 on-base percentage. For the second straight season, Hernandez led the Eagles in runs scored (45) and stolen bases (22).
The lone Polk State freshman to earn All-Citrus Conference honors,
Leia Hurst hit .344 with five home runs and 39 RBIs. A native of Kentucky, Hurst led the team with 13 doubles. Used primarily as the team's catcher, Hurst was recognized as an at-large selection.
Polk State finished the 2025 season with a record of 29-30. The Eagles achieved their highest win total since 2014, defeating seven nationally ranked teams in the process. That included five victories over teams currently ranked in the top 10.
"This group has laid the foundation for long-term success," Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. "To see four players, including three sophomores, recognized as All-Conference performers means a lot as a coach. I'm incredibly proud of them and of our entire team for what we accomplished this season."
All-Citrus Conference Second Team
Nayeli Hernandez, IF, sophomore, Kissimmee, Fla.
Chelsi Rae' Hebert, OF, sophomore, Franklin, La.
Leia Hurst, C, freshman, Carlisle, Ky.
Karyna Lewis, OF, Vicksburg, Mich.
