WINTER HAVEN – After a stellar college career that included three All-Conference recognitions, former pitcher Jacob Heath has returned to where his college career started – Polk State.

Heath began his tenure as Polk State Baseball Pitching Coach earlier this month. A former pitcher for the Eagles, Heath spent three seasons with Polk State before going on to conclude his career at the University of West Florida, an NCAA Division II program in Pensacola.

"I love baseball and wanted to stay around the game any way I could," Heath explained. "Pitching is the pursuit of perfection. If I can help people have success and love pitching as much as I do, I'll feel like I'm fulfilling my purpose and my calling."

Primarily an infielder at Strawberry Crest High School in Dover, Head Coach Al Corbeil recognized Heath's potential as a pitcher early on. He joined the program for the 2020 season and made 11 appearances during the COVID-19-shortened campaign.

"Polk laid the framework for what it takes to be successful," Heath reflected. "Everything you get at Polk is earned. It's a blue-collar program. The lessons you learn here, you can take in life wherever you go."

By his redshirt freshman season of 2021, Heath had transitioned to the team's closer, finishing third in the FCSAA with nine saves along with a 3-2 record in a team-leading 25 appearances. In his final season at Polk in 2022, Heath earned second-team All-Suncoast Conference honors while posting a 4-1 record with a splendid 2.82 ERA and an FCSAA-leading seven saves. Heath again led Polk State in appearances with 24.

"Jacob was always in the back of my mind as a candidate to coach here one day," Corbeil said. "As a player, he was always willing to put the work in and learn. He was a great teammate. I feel fortunate to have another guy who has gone through this program and had success here."

Heath is the fourth straight former Polk State player to serve as pitching coach. Casey Kulina, Jordan Barrett, and most recently, Alec Asher, previously served in that role.

"I was fortunate to have Alec for the last two years," Corbeil noted. "He was a great fit and did an outstanding job here. We're happy for him as he moves on to the next chapter in his life."

Heath spent the final three years of his career at West Florida. In 2023, Heath served as a middle reliever for the Argonauts, posting a 4-3 record and 4.73 ERA in 17 appearances. A starter over his final two seasons, Heath earned second-team All-Gulf South Conference each year. After going 6-6 with two saves as a redshirt junior in 2024, Heath finished 6-4 with a 3.89 ERA and two complete games this past season.

"Whether you're a starter, reliever, or closer, at the end of the day as a pitcher, it's all about executing," Heath added. "The mindset is different for each role. It's a good perspective to have as I begin my career as a coach."

Except for the 2020 season that was shortened by the pandemic, Heath helped his team reach the postseason every year of his college career. This past season, West Florida reached the Super Regional round before falling to the University of Tampa, the eventual national champion. Polk State reached the FCSAA Tournament in each of Heath's final two seasons with the program.

"With Coach Corbeil, you get the cold, hard facts whether you like it or not," Heath added. "With today's game, that helps you go a long way. I want us to continue to be a program that wins and moves players on and helps them maximize their capabilities."

For his success as a player and now transitioning into a coach, Heath credits many around him. Corbeil, Kulina, his parents Gary and Sandy Heath, his high school coach Eric Beattie, and his West Florida coaches, particularly Pitching Coach Kevin Johnson, were mentioned.

"Everyone plays a role," Heath concluded. "You never truly accomplish anything on your own. I love how baseball magnifies successes and failures. There's great camaraderie in this game. I'm grateful to still be a part of it."