WINTER HAVEN – As always, big things will be expected of Polk State Baseball for the upcoming 2026 season. As fall ends, however, big things have already come for four sophomores.
Four of the Eagles’ 10 sophomores have signed with four-year programs – all NCAA Division I schools – this fall. Each of last year’s sophomores went on to sign with four-year programs.
“It’s always rewarding to see guys come in, work hard and go on to continue their playing careers at good four-year programs,” Head Coach Al Corbeil said. “These four guys who have committed early definitely have that blue-collar mentality and it’s nice to see them receive Division I scholarships.”
The first member of the 2026 sophomore class to sign, pitcher Roman Corinti, will be taking his talents to the University of South Alabama. The Jaguars have reached the NCAA Tournament 28 times in their history with the most recent trip coming in 2021.
“I know I’ll get an opportunity to play early,” Corinti said. “On my visit, everything just seemed right.”
As a freshman last season, Corinti posted a 2-1 record and 4.20 ERA in 40.2 innings. The right-hander ranked second on the team with 24 appearances – all out of the bullpen.
“Polk State taught me how to be a better player and a better man,” Corinti added. “Polk has allowed me to be seen, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
Of the four early signees, infielder Kustarr Webb is the lone player to remain in-state. He’ll continue his career at Bethune-Cookman University – the reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions – in Daytona Beach.
“It’s close to home, so my family loves that,” the Jacksonville native said. “It’s an opportunity to play in a great conference. I really love the coaching staff.”
Limited to 33 games by injury in 2024, Webb batted .315 with one home run, 12 RBIs and eight stolen bases. In 89 at-bats, Webb’s .479 on-base percentage was the highest on the team.
“The adversity I’ve gone through has taught me to be strong,” Webb explained. “I’ve made friendships here and learned to trust my coaches.”
A native of Lakeland, outfielder Zach Lester has signed with the University of South Carolina Upstate. The Spartans won the Big South Conference last season and are coming off their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
“I loved the coaching staff,” Lester said of USC Upstate. “The players and staff made it feel like home. I really like the town and the level of competitiveness within the program.”
In 2024, Lester hit .311 and led Polk State with eight home runs, 38 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. Lester’s .509 slugging percentage was also tops on the team.
“Polk State gave me experience and exposure that you won’t get at every junior college program,” Lester reflected. “Polk State does a great job of engraining in you the importance of playing hard and playing the game the right way.”
A versatile defender, Hayden Testerman will be playing baseball in the Big 12 Conference next season. Also a Lakeland native, Testerman has signed with Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
“On my visit, I fell in love with the atmosphere and coaching staff,” he said. “It just felt like home.”
Nicknamed “Bear,” Testerman batted .267 last season with one home run and 21 RBIs. He led the team with three triples and finished second on the squad with 38 runs scored.
“Polk State has definitely challenged me as a person and a player – the long days, the doubleheaders,” Testerman added. “It prepared me to be on the field as much as I can. I’ve been privileged to have great coaching here.”
Most of Polk State’s remaining sophomores are expected to sign with four-year programs during the spring. Under Corbeil, the Eagles have had more than 150 players sign with four-year programs or go on to play professional baseball.
Polk State signees
Name, position, signed
• Roman Corinti, P, University of South Alabama
• Zach Lester, OF, University of South Carolina Upstate
• Hayden Testerman, IF, Brigham Young University
• Kustarr Webb, IF, Bethune-Cookman University (seated)
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