WINTER HAVEN – As the 2026-27 Academic Year got underway, both Polk State fall sports programs were without familiar faces on the sidelines.

That's because their experience at Polk State College helped them earn other opportunities. After one season as an assistant coach for Polk State Volleyball, Hunter Parrish has accepted the job as head men's volleyball coach at Graceland University, an NAIA program in Iowa.

"It's a dream come true," Parrish said. "When I started coaching club volleyball in 2020, I wanted to be a high school head coach. After that, I asked myself how far I could push it."

The last remaining member of Head Coach Dee Shivraman's original coaching staff, Tawanda Kaseke has found a new home in North Carolina with the club, North Carolina Fusion. He'll serve as Head Coach of the U13 and U14 Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) girls team as well as Head of Video Analysis and Football Insights. He'll also coach the pre-professional USL-W team in the summer, which is comprised of mostly collegiate players.

"It's a great environment and great opportunity to coach at ECNL and USL-W levels," Kaseke explained. "I'll be able to coach a lot of high-level players and for a wide football network."

Better known as "TeeKay," Kaseke served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Shivraman. Also once head coach for Auburndale High School, Kaseke proved invaluable in keeping Polk County's most talented players close to home at Polk State, including two-time All-FCSAA selection Dylan Fernandez.

"It was a great learning experience to work under Coach Dee and have the chance to recruit players from right here in Polk County and all over the world," Kaseke explained. "We were able to bring together people from so many backgrounds and create a family culture. As long as Coach Dee and (Assistant Coach Brian McNulty) are on staff, I'm always going to advocate for Polk State."

In his first season as an assistant to Head Coach Jessica Beal, Parrish helped Polk State reach the FCSAA Tournament in 2025. The season was highlighted by an upset of nationally ranked Eastern Florida State College and a sweep of Santa Fe College to clinch a postseason berth. During the 2025 season, Polk State doubled its win total.

"Coming in early every day, being one of the first ones in the gym and the last to leave showed me the dedication and commitment it took to coach at the college level," Parrish reflected. "I really learned a lot from Jess; she showed me the ropes and had defined roles for the head coach and assistant coach. I'll always appreciate the mentorship and support I received from Jess."

During his time at Polk State, Parrish appreciated the close-knit environment among the team, community and both Athletics Department and College administrators. At another historically successful program that is coming off a 2-28 season, Parrish homes to build that camaraderie in Lamoni.

"Graceland is a four-time national champion, so this is a historically successful program that I want to help get back to the postseason and ultimately win another national championship," Parrish exclaimed. "I want to connect with the athletics director, the college president, the alumni, the community and make this something everyone can be proud of again."

In addition to his roles at Polk State and Auburndale High School, Kaseke left a wide footprint on the Polk County soccer scene. He began his college coaching career at Webber International University, an NAIA program in Lake Wales. Kaseke spent time with clubs Winter Haven Kicks, Auburndale Scream, Lakeland United, Florida Tropics Academy, Bartow Soccer Club and Swan City Soccer Club before founding Polk United Football Club in 2024.

"The people of Polk County were amazing," Kaseke added. "I met amazing families and players. I felt welcomed from day one. Some of the greatest people I ever met were in Polk County. I'm proud to have been able to achieve coaching licenses and to have been part of successes at the club, high school and college levels."

During his time at Polk State, Kaseke was part of a staff that put together an 8-5-1 season in 2023 and doubled its win total last year. One of the highlights of last season for the Eagles was a thrilling 3-2 upset of then No. 6 Eastern Florida State College in which Polk State scored the winning goal in the 87th minute.

"In my 30-plus years of coaching, there are people who come across your path and instantly make an impression on you," Shivraman said. "TeeKay was one of those people. The list of ways he impacted our program is endless. From a soccer perspective, his ability to analyze matches and break it down for players made him one of the most impressive coaches I've ever been around."

In addition to the on-the-court accolades, Polk State Volleyball was also recognized as an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year for 2025-26 and a winner of the AVCA Team Academic Award, posting a department-best 3.6 grade-point average. Nine of the team's 11 members were named to the FCSAA All-Academic Team in June. Rezzan Guner, Alexia Ortiz and Marina Santos each earned the Academic All-District® designation from the College Sports Communicators.

"I wouldn't have had this current opportunity without Polk State," Parrish concluded. "It opened so many doors. I was able to coach at camps and make connections with others in the college coaching field. Jess and others advocated for me. For helping me take such a meaningful step in my career, I'll always have nothing but love for Jess and for Polk."

"I wish Hunter the best of luck on this new chapter of his life," Beal added. "It was an honor to be able to work with him. Graceland got a good one. I can't wait to see what he does with the program."

During Kaseke's time with Polk State Soccer, the program also made strides in the classroom. Ten players from last season's team earned FCSAA All-Academic recognition. Over his three seasons, 15 Polk State Soccer players went on to sign with four-year programs.

"We're all sad to lose TeeKay, but I am so happy for him and his family to have this opportunity," Shivraman concluded. "I wish him all the best. It's what he deserves."