WINTER HAVEN – After volunteering her time with the program last season, former Polk State Softball All-Conference pitcher Brittany Anderson is officially part of the coaching staff.

Anderson will serve as the pitching coach for the Eagles in 2026. Last year, Polk State achieved its highest win total in 11 years under Head Coach Kevin Lewis – now in his third season.

"Polk State is a program on the rise," Anderson said. "Coach Lewis has a lot of knowledge. These girls have so much potential and ability. This is a very talented group. If we can come together as a team, there's nothing we can't accomplish."

After beginning her playing career at Warner University, Anderson pitched at Polk State in 2009, earning second-team All-Suncoast Conference recognition. That season, she finished second on the team in innings pitched, wins and strikeouts behind Italian softball legend and Polk State Hall of Famer, Greta Cecchetti. Under first-year Head Coach Jeff Ellis, Polk State won the Suncoast Conference that year.

"It's awesome for a former player who accomplished a lot here to want to be part of the program again," Lewis said. "It speaks volumes about the culture and sense of community we have here. She understands what it takes to win at Polk State, and that experience is incredibly valuable for our pitching coach."

A native of Auburndale, Anderson is in her first season as a pitching coach at the college level but is no stranger to working with pitchers. Anderson has given private lessons and specialized instruction for 10 years now. She's the pitching coach at Complete Package Softball Academy and Operations Director at Bartow-based Legends Softball, powered by Under Armour, which has travel teams from 8U through 18U. 

"Being able to give back last year was great," Anderson said. "I played here and wanted to be part of it again. I enjoyed working with the pitchers. I liked the girls. This is my passion and I want to be able to do this for as long as the Lord will let me."

Anderson will work with a Polk State pitching staff full of new faces. The Eagles replaced their top three pitchers from a season ago. Among returning pitchers from last season, only Kaylyn Mitchum threw more than 5.1 innings.

"Having a positive impact is very important to me," Anderson added. "I want our pitchers to believe in themselves, and I want to try to bring the best out in them. I just hope to help maximize their potential."

Anderson becomes the fourth member of the staff. She joins Lewis and assistants, Tate McClellan and Holly Jones.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity," Anderson concluded. "It's always great to learn from other coaches and to now coach at the next level will allow me to expand my knowledge."