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A pair of key bats toward the top of the Polk State Softball lineup were recognized on Monday with All-Citrus Conference distinction. Freshman infielders Kirsten Aldridge and Calonnie Holmes were each named to the second team. Both are also local products. A native of Polk City, Aldridge attended Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and played for Lake Region High School. A native of Lake Hamilton, Holmes was a standout at Haines City High School. The first Polk State player in 12 years to reach double digits in home runs, Aldridge finished with a team-high 10 homers. Aldridge also led the Eagles in several other categories, including batting average (.356), RBIs (36), on-base percentage (.447) and slugging (.631). She tied for the team lead in doubles with 14. The lead-off hitter for Polk State, Holmes finished the season by batting .347 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs. She led the team in hits (60), runs scored (44), triples (5) and stolen bases (29). Holmes’ 29 steals were the most for a Polk State player since 2014. Against Lake-Sumter State College on Feb. 5, Holmes hit her first of three lead-off home runs for Polk State. Polk State had not had a lead-off home run since 2022. Polk State finished the 2026 season with a record of 22-34. It marks the first time since 2014 and 2015 that the Eagles posted consecutive 20-win seasons. “These two have fueled our offense all season long and have really been the heart and soul of our team with their leadership – on and off the field,” Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. “I’m incredibly proud of them. It’s great to see their hard work pay off. They are a big part of our program and exemplify the type of athletes we’re trying to bring to Polk State. I’m excited to see what they do for an encore as sophomores.” All-Citrus Conference Second Team Kirsten Aldridge, IF, freshman, Polk City, Fla. Calonnie Holmes, IF, freshman, Lake Hamilton, Fla
A pair of key bats toward the top of the Polk State Softball lineup were recognized on Monday with All-Citrus Conference distinction.
Freshman infielders Kirsten Aldridge and Calonnie Holmes were each named to the second team. Both are also local products. A native of Polk City, Aldridge attended Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and played for Lake Region High School. A native of Lake Hamilton, Holmes was a standout at Haines City High School.
The first Polk State player in 12 years to reach double digits in home runs, Aldridge finished with a team-high 10 homers. Aldridge also led the Eagles in several other categories, including batting average (.356), RBIs (36), on-base percentage (.447) and slugging (.631). She tied for the team lead in doubles with 14.
The lead-off hitter for Polk State, Holmes finished the season by batting .347 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs. She led the team in hits (60), runs scored (44), triples (5) and stolen bases (29). Holmes’ 29 steals were the most for a Polk State player since 2014. Against Lake-Sumter State College on Feb. 5, Holmes hit her first of three lead-off home runs for Polk State. Polk State had not had a lead-off home run since 2022.
Polk State finished the 2026 season with a record of 22-34. It marks the first time since 2014 and 2015 that the Eagles posted consecutive 20-win seasons.
“These two have fueled our offense all season long and have really been the heart and soul of our team with their leadership – on and off the field,” Head Coach Kevin Lewis said. “I’m incredibly proud of them. It’s great to see their hard work pay off. They are a big part of our program and exemplify the type of athletes we’re trying to bring to Polk State. I’m excited to see what they do for an encore as sophomores.”
All-Citrus Conference Second Team Kirsten Aldridge, IF, freshman, Polk City, Fla. Calonnie Holmes, IF, freshman, Lake Hamilton, Fla