Donna Byars, a Lakeland native, joins the Fire after spending the last five years leading the Polk State Eagles softball program. Prior to Polk State, Byars spent 2014-2017 at Bartow High School. where she led the Lady Jackets to a Final Four appearance and the FHSAA 8A State Championship in 2016. Byars had the unique experience of leading the Lady Jackets to a state title as both a coach (2016) and as a player (1997). While at Bartow, Byars was named FACA Coach of the Year and The  Ledger Coach of the Year.

Byars completed her Bachelor’s degree in Community Health while playing at Daytona Beach State College (1998-2000) and the University of North Florida (2000-2004). As a player at UNF, Byars was part of the 2003 Peach Belt Championship team and garnered All Region and All Conference Honors as an infielder in 2003.