LAKELAND, FL — Polk State College’s women’s soccer team has earned the No. 20 spot in the National Junior College Athletic Association national rankings for the first time since 2022, while two standout players, midfielder Kaylin Allen and goalkeeper Sofia Zapata, have been named to the All-FCSAA Team.
According to a press release from Polk State College, the honors were announced Wednesday, October 21, as the Eagles prepare to compete in the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Tournament in Melbourne.
“Kaylin and Sofia have brought tremendous energy and leadership to our program all season long,” Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. “These are well-deserved honors for two truly elite players.”
Allen, a sophomore from Palmetto and team captain, ranks fourth in the FCSAA with five assists this season. She also has two goals and ranks third on the team with nine points. Allen opened the season with three assists in an 8-0 victory over Central Georgia Technical College on August 22.
Zapata, a freshman goalkeeper from Orlando, leads the FCSAA with 55 saves and ranks second with a .764 save percentage. She previously earned FCSAA Player of the Week honors following a 1-1 draw against two-time defending national champion Daytona State College.
Zapata also recorded five saves in Polk State’s 2-1 upset over then-No. 13 Eastern Florida State College, marking the Eagles’ first road victory over the Titans in 16 years.
Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas congratulated both players, recognizing their accomplishments as a reflection of the talent, discipline and competitive spirit within the college’s athletic program.
The nationally ranked Eagles enter the FCSAA Tournament as the No. 4 seed and will face top-seeded Miami Dade College in Thursday’s semifinal matchup at 8 p.m. at Orlando Health Stadium in Melbourne.
Polk State will be competing for its ninth state championship. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK STATE COLLEGE
