WINTER HAVEN – As it shifts academically from the summer to the fall, several Polk State Softball players are transitioning to four-year programs.

A total of five members of the 2026 team have gone on to sign with four-year programs. That includes three NCAA Division II and two NAIA signees.

"I'm very proud of them for taking steps toward achieving their life goals," Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. "I want them to remember what they learned here and what our values were at Polk State. If they continue to do the little things right, the big things will follow."

After a breakout season as a sophomore, Makenzie Foster will be remaining in-state to play at the NCAA Division II level. She's headed to Jacksonville to play for Edward Waters University.

"I chose Edward Waters because I loved the coaches and I think they'll help me have success over my final two years," Foster explained. "The school also has a very good criminal justice program that will help with my future career."

In 2026, Foster emerged as a run producer in the middle of the lineup and a dependable glove at first base. She finished the season, batting .283 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. Foster finished third on the team in home runs and second in RBIs and triples (2).

"Coach Kevin helped me a ton, including by getting me in touch with (Edward Waters Head Coach Mike Ellison)," she added. "Polk helped me learn college responsibilities of balancing class and athletics to prepare me for what comes after. All the coaches helped me grow as an athlete and to get where I am today."

Outfielder Thea Williams is also going the Division II route. She has signed with Allen University in South Carolina.

"I chose Allen because of the student life on campus," Williams said. "I liked the coaching staff, and they offered me a great scholarship opportunity."

Just a freshman last season, Williams appeared in 44 games for the Eagles. She finished with 15 RBIs and had seven of her 17 hits go for extra bases.

"Polk helped prepare me physically and mentally," Williams added. "I feel ready for the tasks ahead of me as I play Division II softball in another state."

After one season at Polk State, outfielder Emma Kaylor won't be traveling far. She'll be staying in Polk County to play at Warner University, an NAIA program in Lake Wales.

"I chose Warner University because of its strong Exercise Science program and the opportunity to continue competing in college softball," Kaylor explained. "It offered the combination of academic preparation and athletic competition I was looking for."

In her lone season at Polk State, Kaylor finished fourth on the team with four home runs. That included grand slams in wins over Heartland Community College on March 12 and No. 20 Daytona State College on March 31.

"Polk State prepared me for this next step by giving me a strong academic foundation in Exercise Science," Kaylor added. "It also helped me grow as a student-athlete."

After beginning her career at the NAIA level in her home state of Kansas, pitcher Avery Wende will return home and to that level. She's signed to play at Baker University.

"I chose Baker University because it felt like the right fit – both academically and athletically," Wende explained. "I love that I get the opportunity to continue my softball career at the four-year level and be closer to home. The coaching staff, team environment and opportunity to be part of the Baker community really stood out. I'm excited for this next chapter and grateful for the opportunity."

In her lone season at Polk State, Wende finished second on the team in wins (7), innings pitched (112.1) and complete games (1). Wende went the distance and allowed just one earned run in a 3-2 upset of No. 3 Florida SouthWestern State College on March 14.

"Polk State prepared me for this step by helping me grow as an athlete and a student," Wende reflected. "Competing at the JUCO level challenged me to be more disciplined, work harder and continue developing as a pitcher. Academically, Polk State taught me the importance of balancing school and athletics while preparing me for the expectations that come with being at a four-year university. I'm so thankful for the coaches, teammates and experiences I had at Polk."

The ace of Polk State's pitching staff last season, Hayle Peterson is also returning to her home state. She's signed with Purdue University Northwest in Indiana.

"I chose Purdue Northwest for their wide range of academic opportunities – from internships and job shadowing to helping students go to graduate school," Peterson explained. "These will be a great asset in helping me become a pharmacist. The second reason is it's near my hometown, allowing me to pursue opportunities near where I want to live. The other reason is the coaching staff. They doubled their win total last season and finished third in the (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Tournament. I wanted to be a part of the program and the culture they are building."

As a freshman last season, Peterson led Polk State in wins (10), innings pitched (123.1) and complete games. In a 6-1 win over No. 10 Indian River State College on April 28, Peterson went the distance, allowing just an unearned run on seven hits.

"Polk State taught me a lot about independence and learning to balance softball with academics," Peterson concluded. "I created meaningful relationships with my professors, who ultimately helped me decide what I wanted to do within the medical field."

Polk State signees

Name, position, signed
• Makenzie Foster, IF, Edward Waters University
• Emma Kaylor, OF, Warner University
• Hayle Peterson, P, Purdue University Northwest
• Avery Wende, P, Baker University
• Thea Williams, OF, Allen University