WINTER HAVEN – The only two Polk State Softball players currently enshrined in the Polk State Athletics Hall of Fame will have their accomplishments recognized on a statewide level come next month.

Former Polk State pitcher Greta Cecchetti and outfielder/catcher Stephanie Koutsoumbaris will be inducted into the FCSAA Softball Hall of Fame during this year's FCSAA Tournament in Clearwater. Each will have the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before one of the tournament games from May 12 through 17.

"Being part of the FCSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is a true honor and something I am incredibly proud of," Cecchetti said. "I would like to thank everyone who made this possible: the FCSAA … Polk State College … my teammates and coaches, for always being there for me and sharing this incredible journey …; my family, for supporting me in any way possible and letting me travel so far to chase my dreams; and last but not least, Coach Jeff Ellis, for taking a chance on a kid from Italy, and working so hard to put the program back on the map. I will be forever grateful."

A native of Italy, Cecchetti played at Polk State in 2009 and 2010 and left as the career leader in wins, ERA and strikeouts. A two-time first-team All-Suncoast Conference and two-time first-team All-FCSAA selection, Cecchetti was a key piece to the Eagles' run to a 2009 conference championship.

"When I think about my time at Polk State, a lot comes to mind," Cecchetti added. "Leaving home and my family in Italy to live the college dream was at first a bit scary, and I felt very homesick for a while. After some time, I started to learn the language, the culture, I made new friends and everything became a lot easier. Softball was the best part. Playing so many games, high-level competition, setting school records and team achievements while creating special bonds with my teammates, the staff and administration, the school and our fans, was truly special."

In 2010, Cecchetti was named the Suncoast Conference Pitcher of the Year and a second-team NJCAA All-American. Cecchetti would go on to spend two years at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, becoming the first Italian born-and-raised NCAA Division I softball player. She was named a second-team All-Southland Conference performer as a senior in 2012. In the 2020 Summer Olympics (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Cecchetti was the ace of the staff for Italy.

"Being recognized in the Polk State Athletics Hall of Fame and having my No. 18 retired is one of the biggest honors of my life," Cecchetti concluded. "I am also very proud that my younger sister Lara competed for Polk State. Polk truly means family to me."

Inducted into the Polk State Athletics Hall of Fame earlier this month, Koutsoumbaris enjoyed a record-breaking career. In two seasons with the Eagles, Koutsoumbaris helped Polk State win back-to-back Suncoast Conference championships under Head Coach Jeff Ellis. For her career, Koutsoumbaris batted .423 with 19 home runs and a program-record 143 RBIs.

"Softball contributed so much to my life – discipline, commitment, preparation – that has stayed with me today," Koutsoumbaris said. "I learned so much in softball that I've used for the rest of my life. To have this recognition, I'm beyond grateful."

After a stellar freshman year in which she hit .408 with eight home runs, 19 doubles, and 70 RBIs, Koutsoumbaris had an even bigger sophomore year. She was named the NJCAA Player of the Year in 2014, becoming the first player in Polk State history to win that honor, after batting .442 with 11 home runs and topping her own program record for RBIs with 73. Koutsoumbaris was a two-time All-Suncoast Conference and two-time All-FCSAA selection.

"Looking back, Coach Jeff did so much for us," Koutsoumbaris added. "He created such a positive and stable environment and always wanted the best for us."

During her two years with the program, the Eagles compiled an 87-34 record. In addition to NJCAA Player of the Year, Koutsoumbaris was also recognized as the Suncoast Conference Player of the Year. Her jersey was retired at the end of her sophomore season. 

"I loved the girls I played with," she added. "It was a family at Polk State. I wanted my teammates to be just as successful as I was; we all did. That's why we had so much success as a team."