LAKELAND – After helping Polk State Soccer more than double its win total in 2025, three players have found new homes at four-year programs.

A pair of sophomores who spent two years at Polk State College have landed with schools in the southeast. A freshman standout will return to her home state to play at the NCAA Division I level.

A native of Spain, midfielder Paula Cortijo was the first to sign. Cortijo will head to the "Big Easy" to play for Xavier University of Louisiana, an NAIA program in New Orleans.

"I chose Xavier University of Louisiana because I believe this new chapter will make me a better person and a better soccer player," Cortijo said. "It has a great business program, which is my major, and will prepare me for my future."

As a sophomore this past season, Cortijo was one of just three Polk State players to start all 16 matches. She finished fifth on the team in points (7), registering two goals and three assists.

"Polk State has been a very important stage for my future," Cortijo reflected. "The advice from the professors, the help and the consistency of the coaching staff and all staff at Polk State helped me grow as a person and a player. It has been a very positive experience. I will never forget it."

After two seasons at Polk State, midfielder Natasha Muchakati is also headed the NAIA route. A native of Zimbabwe, she's signed to play at Bethel University of Tennessee.

"I chose Bethel because it offered me a great opportunity to continue my soccer career," Muchakati said.

Over her two seasons with the program, Muchakati played in 26 matches with 22 starts. As a sophomore, Muchakati played in all 16 matches and finished the year with two goals and two assists on 19 shots, including six on goal. 

"Polk State really prepared me for the next level," Muchakati added. "It taught me how to balance my educational and athletic activities."

After an outstanding freshman season, goalkeeper Ashley Miller will return to her native Michigan to play Division I soccer. She signed with Eastern Michigan University.

"Returning to my home state and playing for a local D-I program is a dream," Miller exclaimed. "EMU offers a competitive environment for me to thrive. I feel fully prepared because of my experience at Polk State."

As a freshman in 2025, Miller led the FCSAA with 68 saves. Miller finished the season with three shutouts and collected a career-high 11 saves in a 1-1 draw with Miami Dade College.

"I am so grateful to Polk State as well as Coach Dee (Shivraman) and the coaching staff for all the support they gave me this past year," Miller said. "Playing at Polk State gave me the confidence I needed to get to the next level. Polk challenged me in a way that made me a strong and more disciplined student-athlete. The coaches believed in me and pushed me to refine my game."

"Natasha, Paula and Ashley moving on is a true testament to their individual mindset, intrinsic motivation and their passion for the game," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "They will be highly successful in all things on and off the pitch."

Polk State signees

Name, position, signed
• Paula Cortijo, M, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Ashley Miller, GK, Eastern Michigan University
• Natasha Muchakati, M, Bethel University of Tennessee