WINTER HAVEN – Before Polk State Volleyball tries to close the regular season with a victory over Santa Fe College for the second straight year on Saturday, five sophomores will be recognized prior to the match.

Polk State will host its annual Sophomore Day. This year's sophomore class features three transfers and a pair of second-year players.

"This group has been dedicated to our program," Head Coach Jessica Beal said. "The two returners were already tuned in to what the culture was and the three newcomers have embodied that as well. They all embody leadership and bring something unique to the table. I've enjoyed having each of them."

The returners

The two returners, Dublin Fitzgerald and Camilla Freitag, helped Polk State reach the FCSAA Tournament last season. The two have taken on much bigger roles this season, ranking first and second on the team in kills per set.

"Coach Jessica has had a profound impact on my life," Freitag said. "She found a way to help me fight through my early injuries and has always been patient with me. On the court, she can be hard on you, but off of it, she's really kind."

A native of Brazil, Freitag was recruited as a middle blocker, but moved to the outside hitter position last season following her injuries. After appearing in just 14 matches as a freshman in 2025, Freitag has played in every match this season and is averaging 1.67 kills per set.

"This was my first time leaving my home country," Freitag reflected. "I didn't speak great English, so it was hard at first, but it is the best decision I have ever made. I feel like I've grown in every area of my life."

The team leader in kills, Fitzgerald, a Lakeland native, began her college career as a walk-on. Despite being local, Fitzgerald didn't know much about Polk State Volleyball or its rich history when she arrived.

"I had the opportunity to come here at the last minute," she explained. "I didn't know what to expect, but it has been a great opportunity. Last year, I didn't play much, but Coach Jessica made this all possible. She's taught me so much and I know I wouldn't be in this position without her."

In addition to leading Polk State with a 1.94 kills per set average, her 0.74 blocks per set average ranks eighth in the FCSAA. In the Aug. 29 contest at Ranger College, Fitzgerald set a career-high with 12 kills – the most for a Polk State player this season.

"College is no joke," Fitzgerald added. "It's so much different than high school or club. My mentality is stronger. I'm physically stronger as well. I have never made as much progress in my volleyball career as I have here, and I have made sister-like friendships."

From the Mid-Atlantic to Polk State

Now sophomore teammates, libero Ana Martinez and middle blocker Chillis Oke spent their freshman seasons less than 150 miles apart. Martinez was an All-Region selection at College of Southern Maryland as a freshman. Oke played at Shenandoah University in Virginia.

"This has been a season of learning, growing, and developing new skills," Martinez reflected. "I was introduced to a higher level of competition. My coaches taught me a lot of discipline and really put us through rigorous training. They've given me feedback and pushed me in areas I didn't know I needed to be pushed."

Through 20 matches, Polk State has played a gauntlet of a schedule, facing 11 nationally ranked teams. Entering Sophomore Day, Martinez ranks third in the FCSAA, averaging 3.57 digs per set.

"Adjusting to a new team culture has been great," Martinez added. "The culture of the team matches my personal values and mentality. I never thought I would be playing in the best region in the NJCAA. This has been a dream come true. I wouldn't be here without my family."

Transitioning from the Division III level to Polk State, Oke has been a valuable contributor in her lone season with the Eagles. She ranks in the top five of the team in kills per set (0.98) and third by averaging 0.47 blocks per set.

"I'll never forget my teammates here," Oke said. "I've never been around a better group of people. My coaches have helped me grow a lot. I feel like I've gotten better at a lot of things. I've become much more vocal on the court."

A new level of volleyball in Polk

For Yanelee Deida, Polk State is just 15 miles from her first college. Deida began her career at Southeastern University, an NAIA program in Lakeland.

"I was mentally weak when I got here," Deida insisted. "I've learned how to handle pressure and I've gotten tougher physically. I'll always remember the practices here – every one was a challenge. For me, this was a new chance to continue doing something I love. I feel like God brought me here and it's been a great opportunity."

Although injuries have limited Deida this season, she has been a force at the net. Originally from Puerto Rico, Deida ranks seventh in the FCSAA and leads Polk State, averaging 0.74 blocks per set.

"The culture and diversity of Polk State really stood out to me when I was looking for a new school," Deida added. "I really enjoy this style of play. It feels like how we played back home."

Reflections

When reflecting on their time at Polk State, sophomores spoke fondly of the bonds they've made with their teammates and coaches, long bus rides to road matches, and more. There were, however, some on-the-court moments that stood above the rest as well. Freitag said her fondest memory was last season's 3-2 upset of then No. 16 Eastern Florida State College – the first win over a nationally ranked team under Beal. Entering Sophomore Day, Polk State is coming off another thrilling 3-2 win over the Titans.

"That Eastern Florida game will always be special to me," Freitag recalled. "That's probably my best memory, but getting to the state tournament meant a lot, too. To be able to play on that stage – one of my first times playing on the outside – was a great moment."

During their time at Polk State, sophomores have seen themselves grow as players, students, and as people. Playing in the Citrus Conference, which currently features three of the top seven teams in the national NJCAA Poll, including No. 1 Miami Dade College, the reigning national champion, has a way of bringing out the best in players.

"Playing in such a competitive conference pushes you to be better," Oke added. "It's been really challenging, but in a good way."

For future Polk State players, Freitag and Deida offered advice.

"Come here with an open heart and an open mind," Freitag urged. "This program has so much to offer. It's highly competitive and a great opportunity to push yourself and grow as an athlete. Come ready to work and hold yourself to a high standard."
"You're going to be uncomfortable at times, but that's OK," Deida added. "Be willing to learn and you'll leave as a better player."

Following the Sophomore Day tilt, Polk State will head to Melbourne or Daytona Beach for an FCSAA Tournament quarterfinal match at Eastern Florida State College or Daytona State College. In the postseason for the second year in a row, Polk State Volleyball has also been recognized for its accolades in the classroom, earning NJCAA Team of the Year and AVCA Team Academic Award honors.

"I want to thank my sophomores for their time and contributions here," Beal concluded. "They've all invested great energy. I'm so grateful for what they've contributed to our program and look forward to leaning on them as we try to finish strong."

Saturday's match with Santa Fe will begin at 2 p.m. Sophomore recognitions are set for 12:45 p.m.

"On Sophomore Day, we celebrate not only what these student-athletes have accomplished on the court, but also the growth they have experienced as students, teammates, and individuals," said Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas. "We are proud of the commitment they have shown to Polk State, and we wish each of them continued success as they take the lessons, confidence, and resilience they have developed here and carry them into the next stages of their careers and lives."