WINTER HAVEN – Regarded as one of the top programs in the FCSAA, Polk State Baseball has captured more than 500 wins over the last 15 years under Head Coach Al Corbeil. One thing few do better than the Eagles is sending graduating sophomores off to four-year schools.

With four spring signings, all 10 Polk State sophomores have signed to continue their academic and athletic careers. That includes eight NCAA Division I signees. Six players signed in the fall.

"When they arrive here, they know we're a blue-collar program where you have to work hard to succeed," Corbeil said. "This group has bought it and I'm happy to see their hard work pay off."

The last to sign was right-handed pitcher Jackson Graden. A native of Seminole, Graden is headed to Flagler College, an NCAA Division II program in St. Augustine.

"I chose Flagler because it's a well-respected program where I can come in and contribute," Graden explained. "The school itself and the surrounding area are just beautiful."

After throwing just 19 innings as a freshman, Graden became a key piece to the Polk State pitching staff this past season. He finished the year with a 2-0 record, 4.05 ERA, and 40 strikeouts in 40 innings of work.

"Polk State played a massive role in getting me to where I am now," he added. "Coach Corbeil is a master at what he does and is really good at getting his players to the next level. Playing under him and alongside my teammates made me find a new love for the game."

After two years together at Polk State, pitchers Aiden Alvarez and Zane Wright will remain teammates. Both have signed with the University of West Georgia, an NCAA Division I program that plays in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

"I chose West Georgia because they gave me an opportunity that other colleges didn't," Wright reflected. "The coaches were amazing during the recruiting process and made it an easy decision. I want to be one of the guys who helps put the program on the right path."

"I chose West Georgia because I liked how competitive the conference is," Alvarez explained. "The school is in a good area and close enough to allow me to still see my family on special occasions."

Limited to 17 innings as a freshman, Wright was a dependable arm for Polk State out of the bullpen this season before transitioning to a weekend starter at the end of the year. Wright finished 2-1 and struck out 45 batters in 40.2 innings this season. The 6-foot-5 right-hander ranked third on the team by averaging 9.96 strikeouts per nine innings.

"Polk State helped me academically and wanted the best for me and gave me the resources I needed," Wright said. "Coach Corbeil is the best coach I've ever had; he helped me get to where I am. The opportunities that came along were amazing. (Pitching) Coach (Alec) Asher was also a big influence and helped me learn the little things that come with the game and not just how to become a good player but a good person as well."

The team leader in appearances with 27, Alvarez averaged nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. The lefty finished 3-2 with a 4.15 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 30.1 innings this year. Alvarez's three wins were tied for third on the team.

"Polk helped me academically by allowing me to adjust to college life and had courses that may have not been as accessible at other schools," Alvarez recalled. "Athletically, Corbs and the coaching staff helped me grow and mature."

Power-hitting Liam O'Neil will continue his playing career at the College of William & Mary, an NCAA Division I program in Virginia. Known for its academics, William & Mary is ranked as one of the top 25 public universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

"There's an old saying that it's not a four-year decision, but a 40-year decision," O'Neil exclaimed of the college selection process. "In my case, it was not a two-year decision but a 40-year decision. William & Mary plays in a very competitive conference. The culture was similar to Polk in that everyone works hard and plays as hard as they can."

After earning All-Citrus Conference honors as a freshman last year, O'Neil was again one of the power bats in the middle of the Polk State lineup. O'Neil played in all 55 games and ranked second on the team with seven home runs and 36 RBIs.

"Corbs is one of the most talented coaches I've ever been around," O'Neil added. "His knowledge of the game and of life helped me by leaps and bounds. He's taught us what to expect at the next level and what we're going to have to do to succeed."

For Polk State, having each of its sophomores move on has become commonplace. This marks the fourth straight year that each signed before the start of the FCSAA Tournament.

"When they leave, we always tell them to take a little bit of Polk with them," Corbeil concluded. "Four-year schools know that when they're getting a Polk player, they're getting a kid who will come in ready to work."

Polk State signees

Name, position, signed
• Aiden Alvarez, P, University of West Georgia
• Gavin Dicks, P, Jacksonville University
• Jake Echols, P, Florida State University
• Jackson Graden, P, Flagler College
• Wade Johnson, P, Georgia Southwestern State University
• JT Long, P, Dallas Baptist University
• Liam O'Neil, DH/1B, College of William & Mary
• Simon Scharff, C, Lipscomb University
• Jordan Thomas, OF, Lipscomb University
• Zane Wright, P, University of West Georgia