WINTER HAVEN – Following the best season for the program in a decade, seven Polk State Softball sophomores signed with four-year schools.

Of the players moving on, four will go the NAIA route; two will play Division II softball. Infielder Savannah Jacobs signed to play with St. Andrews University, an NAIA program in North Carolina, but the university closed following the 2024-25 Academic Year. She is seeking another four-year program.

"To me, getting these kids to four-year programs is part of my job," Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. "We pride our program on sending these kids to the next level. When it comes to recruiting, we try to take the pressure off them and put it on ourselves. I enjoy that process. It's important for them to continue their playing careers, but more importantly, it gives them an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and continue their education."

Pitcher Dee Allen will head to the Peach State. She will play for Savannah State University, an NCAA Division II program.

"When I met the coach, we instantly clicked and it felt like home," Allen said. "It has been my goal to finish my schooling at an HBCU (historically Black college or university)."

As a sophomore in 2025, Allen finished 8-8 with a 4.83 ERA, eight complete games, and one save. She registered a team-high 53 strikeouts in 88.1 innings of work. Allen also led the Eagles with 26 appearances in the circle.

"Polk State really helped me with my priorities and time management," Allen added. "I learned how to navigate life as a student-athlete at the next level."

Infielder Nayeli Hernandez, a two-time All-Citrus Conference selection, will also be playing Division II softball in the state of Georgia. After winning the Southern States Athletic Conference, Middle Georgia State University will make the jump from NAIA.

"When I went on a recruiting visit, I enjoyed the area and campus," Hernandez said. "The coaching staff was coaching me as soon as I arrived. I knew they would make me a better person and player."

A native of Kissimmee, Hernandez hit .329 this past season. She led the team with 45 runs scored, 30 walks, and 22 stolen bases. Hernandez ranked second on the team in doubles (12) and on-base percentage (.440).

"Polk has been a great experience," Hernandez reflected. "As sophomores, we learned to be leaders. Kevin Lewis was there for us all the time. I love Polk State and our coaching staff."

Infielder Natalie Hiles will also be heading to Georgia – only she'll play at the NAIA level. She has signed with Thomas University.

"I chose Thomas University for a couple of reasons – the biggest being the academics," Hiles explained. "Thomas has a very good exercise science program and with wanting to pursue physical or occupational therapy, that was important to me. I also like the school and team environment. The school is smaller, and the team and coaches seemed close like a family."

A versatile defender, Hiles enjoyed a solid season at the plate as a sophomore this past season. Hiles hit .269 with nine RBIs in 52 games.

"Polk State helped me in many ways to take this next step in my academic and playing career," she added. "My coaches and teammates helped me grow as a person and as a player. Our academic advisors kept me on track to graduate with my (Associate in Arts) as well as helped plan for my future."

Jamie Reinhardt did just about everything for Polk State over her two years. A 2024 All-Citrus Conference selection, Reinhardt will stay in-state to play at New College of Florida, an NAIA school in Sarasota.

"The coaching staff was nice and had great knowledge of the game," she explained. "They reminded me of my coaches at Polk State. The players were so nice to me. They really love the sport. It's a beautiful location and not too far from home."

The Orlando native hit .318 this past season to go with 23 RBIs. From the circle, Reinhardt led the Eagles with 103.2 innings pitched to go with eight wins and a 4.59 ERA.

"These two years taught me how to balance academics with athletic competition," Reinhardt noted. "Playing in one of the best junior college regions in the country prepared me for the pitching, hitting, and coaching I'll see at the next level."

A transfer from Hocking College in Ohio, Karyna Lewis was a second-team All-Citrus Conference selection in her lone season at Polk State. A native of Michigan, Lewis will take her talents to Montreat College, an NAIA program in North Carolina.

"I liked the area," Lewis said. "It reminds me a lot of home. They're building a great program. I really liked the coaching style."

This past season, Lewis led the Eagles with a .395 batting average and .448 on-base percentage. She added four triples, 31 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.

"Coming from a (NJCAA) Division II to a Division I was a big jump," Lewis recalled. "A lot of people might underestimate JUCO ball, but there is a lot of (NCAA) Division I talent here. This prepares you to make that jump. It will be bittersweet, but I'm ready to spread my wings and take on a new adventure."

The last to sign, outfielder Chelsi Rae' Hebert, will also be playing at the NAIA level. She'll be staying local to play at Southeastern University in Lakeland.

"I chose Southeastern because it aligns with both my academic goals and personal values," Hebert explained. "From the moment I explored the campus and connected with the people there, I could feel the supportive, Christ-centered environment. I was drawn to Southeastern' s commitment to not only academic excellence but spiritual growth – something that's extremely important to me as I continue to develop my relationship with God. The opportunity to be part of a program that encourages leadership, faith, and academic discipline made it clear that this was the right place for me to grow as a student, an athlete, and a person."

After missing the entire 2024 season to a knee injury, Hebert supplied the power for Polk State as a redshirt sophomore this past season. A second-team All-Citrus Conference selection, the Louisiana native finished 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.

"Polk State was a major steppingstone in my journey," Hebert concluded. "It helped shape me academically by providing a solid foundation in my studies and showing me the discipline it takes to succeed at the next level. On the field, Polk gave me the chance to compete, grow my confidence, and push through adversity with a team-first mindset. My teammates and coaches pushed me to stay hungry and humble, and I'm so grateful for those experiences."

In his second season as head coach in 2025, Kevin Lewis coached the Eagles to a 29-30 record. The 29 victories were the most for the program in 11 years. One of Coach Lewis' biggest goals is to help players continue their academic and athletic careers.

"We're not just a softball program; we instill in you the values to succeed in life," he added. "When we recruit players for our program, we talk to them about their life goals – not much about softball. Being a program that cares about you more than wins and losses is what we're all about."

Polk State signees

Name, position, signed
Dee Allen, P, Savannah State University
Chelsi Rae' Hebert, OF, Southeastern University
Nayeli Hernandez, IF, Middle Georgia State University
Natalie Hiles, IF, Thomas University
Savannah Jacobs, IF, St. Andrews University
Karyna Lewis, OF, Montreat College
Jamie Reinhardt, UT, New College of Florida