LAKELAND – With a recent draw against two-time reigning national champion Daytona State College and a top-15 road win at Eastern Florida State College, Polk State Soccer may be peaking at the right time. On Saturday, however, the Eagles will take a brief break from their gauntlet of a schedule to recognize 12 sophomores.

In lieu of holding Sophomore Day festivities prior to Monday's regular-season finale against No. 5 Miami Dade College, Polk State will host a special event on Saturday at the Polk State Soccer Field. The event is free, open to the public, and set for 12 p.m.

"This group of players has really made an impact on our program and not necessarily because of the extraordinary results of our recent matches," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "It's more so because of the sense of togetherness and determination they show in their daily work. They support each other on the pitch and academically. They are surely going to be successful in their future studies and careers. As a coaching staff, we couldn't be prouder."

An awesome responsibility

Of the 12 sophomores who make up this year's class, 11 are returning players. Two of them, midfielder Kaylin Allen and forward Riley Whale, were appointed captains prior to the season.

"To be named a team captain meant everything," Allen said. "This team is a family to me. Being a captain makes me push myself to lead by example that much more."

After playing in 15 matches, including 14 as a starter as a freshman, Allen has emerged as the team leader in assists this season with four – good for fifth in the FCSAA. The Palmetto native helped set a strong tone for the year with three assists in the Eagles' 8-0 victory over Central Georgia Technical College to open the season.

"I'm quicker on the ball this year – something my coaches have really emphasized," Allen explained. "My endurance has improved; I'm stronger, but I'm most proud of the person I've become. College has taught me to be independent. I'm proud of everyone for the way we've come together as a team; it has shown with the way we've performed lately."

Co-captain Riley Whale's journey to Polk State spans more than 4,000 miles. A native of England, Whale has been honored to hold the title of captain.

"It means a lot to have the trust of my teammates and coaches," she reflected. "On the pitch, my game has developed a lot. I've strengthened in areas where I struggled previously. I feel like I've grown into an adult and a leader."

Whale has started every match this season for Polk State, recording a goal and two assists. That goal came in the 1-1 draw with then No. 2 Daytona State College on September 23 and gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead they would hold until the final minute.
"I'm most proud of our team's attitude," Whale explained. "We're the underdogs, but we have the desire to stay together and prove what we can do as a whole."

Lifelong teammates

While most of the Polk State sophomores have been teammates for the last two seasons, two have been that for much longer. Twin sisters, Jaiden and Jordan Robert, have been teammates their whole lives – something each was thrilled to continue in college.

"It's been really nice to get to experience college together and to grow and develop together," Jordan Robert said.

The two play different positions; Jordan Robert is a defender while Jaiden Robert is a midfielder. The two also have different career plans. Jordan Robert plans on majoring in business while Jaiden Robert has dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Finding a four-year program with both majors that is also interested in both as soccer players could be a challenge moving forward.

"We're hoping to continue to be teammates, but we're going in different directions, so that could make it tough," Jaiden Robert said. "It's been nice to have someone always there to talk to after the games."

The lone sophomore newcomer

While 11 of the 12 sophomores are returners, forward Sienna Amador began her career at a rival school. After spending the last two seasons at Eastern Florida State College, it was extra sweet for Amador to be part of a Polk State team that picked up its first win at Orlando Health Stadium – Amador's former home field – in 16 years on September 30.

"It was a little more special because I played there previously," Amador said. "It felt great to bounce back from our first loss to them. Our team was really excited about it. It felt like all the hard work had paid off."

Primarily a defender at Eastern Florida State, Amador notched her first collegiate goal on September 5 in a 7-1 win over Pasco-Hernando State College. For Amador, however, her Polk State experience has been highlighted by more than just soccer.

"I really love the family feeling here of the girls around me," Amador added. "They push me to be a better version of myself and really care about my growth. Coach Dee is passionate and wants to see us succeed. He often goes in-depth about appreciating this opportunity and reminding us what a privilege it is to play college soccer."

A strong bond

Amador wasn't the only Polk State sophomore who mentioned the strong bond between teammates and coaches. Midfielder Abigail Rogers said that bond is partially responsible for the team's on-the-field successes.

"I'll always remember the relationships I've formed here and how we pushed through and won games no one expected us to," Rogers shared. "What I'm most proud of is how far our team has come and how we've come together and fought for each other on and off the field. Your relationships with your teammates, coaches, and professors are essential to your success."

Forward Alayna Dial, midfielder Laura Sofia, and defender Agustina Carnero were three key returners from last season. Dial was the top returning scorer and has seven career goals.

"We've had so much fun together," Dial said. "Those bus rides and meals together after the game are so much fun, too."

Sofia finished with a goal and four assists last season; she has two goals and two assists this season. Carnero has three career goals.

"My teammates mean a lot to me," Sofia added. "I'll always remember the fun times we had in the locker room."

"I've made great friends here," midfielder Hannah Williams said. "I'll always remember the games, the celebrations with teammates, helping others with their papers. We've gotten closer and we've supported each other."

Personal growth

Over the last two years, Polk State's sophomores have watched themselves mature – as players, people, and student-athletes. For midfielder Wendy Benedo, a native of Ireland who had her first career assist in the September 30 win over Eastern Florida, being away from home has made her more independent. She was just 17 years old when she arrived.

"I feel like I'm not a baby anymore," Benedo explained. "I've learned to manage my money. I'm more mature. It's been fun to watch us all grow and grow as a team. When we're on the pitch, we fight for each other as a team rather than individuals. I'm really glad I came here."

Goalkeeper Alex Van Lare was part of two shutouts this season for Polk State. Her biggest improvement, however, has been in the classroom.

"My grades have gotten a lot better," Van Lare said. "Polk State is a great school with great academics. There are great people in this program. My coaches never gave up on me and always supported me."

Jacquelyn Spear appeared in six matches as a freshman in 2025. This season, she decided to step away from the pitch, but remained with the program as a student manager.

"It meant a lot to me to continue to be here and be around the people I've been friends with," Spear noted. "I've become more of an extrovert; my grades have improved tremendously. Both (Assistant Coach Brian McNulty) and Dee have impacted me. Brian is a girl dad at heart. I can go to Dee with the serious things."

Parting thoughts and advice for future Eagles

The youngest athletics program on campus, Polk State Soccer took the field for the first time in 2003. Despite that, the Eagles hold eight FCSAA championships and have made three NJCAA Tournament appearances. The current group of sophomores has been part of two wins over nationally ranked Eastern Florida State and a 1-1 draw with then No. 2 Daytona State College. For the first time since 2022, Polk State entered the NJCAA Poll this week at No. 20.

"Tying Daytona State was a moment I'm really proud of," Sofia said. "Everyone believed in each other and put in a lot of effort."

For those wanting to be part of the program in the future, the departing sophomores offered advice and words of encouragement.

"For future players, get on those grades early," Rogers exclaimed. "You're a student first but give it 100% on the field."

"Come in confident," Williams added. "Showcase yourself the best you possibly can and treat others the way you want to be treated."

"You have to keep up with your grades," Allen urged. "The workload is a lot and being a student-athlete isn't something that everyone can do. Being able to excel at both shows you can do anything. You have to fight through your personal adversities as well."

Currently with a record of 5-4-2, Polk State will close the regular season at home on Monday against Miami Dade, the FCSAA regular season champion. It will be the final home match for the Polk State sophomores.

"It has been a joy to watch these student-athletes compete, grow, and represent Polk State with such passion and determination," said Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas. "We wish each of them continued success as they take the lessons, friendships, and experiences they have gained at Polk State into the next chapter of their lives."