WINTER HAVEN – It's not uncommon for college sports programs to foster a family environment, but for Polk State Head Basketball Coach Brandon Giles, it means so much more.

The son of the late Josh Giles, the most accomplished coach in program history, Giles' office sits less than a mile from his childhood home. Josh Giles, who passed away in 2002, coached then Polk Community College from 1987 to 2000, leading the program to FCSAA titles in 1989, 1991, and 1994.

"Although I'm not my father and we do things differently, he laid some of the groundwork here that's still pretty powerful," Giles said. "Every day I come to work, the feeling of who my dad was overcomes me. He's on my mind every time I'm here. I've spent my whole life on this campus."

Embracing the community

While local players are rare in college basketball, Giles makes a point to have his players embrace Polk County as their community while they are members of the program. Giles embraces Polk State College's "We are Polk" motto. The Eagles are one of five men's college basketball teams in the county, but as Giles emphasizes to his players, they're the only ones who get to wear "Polk" across their chests.

"It's home," he said. "It's where my foundation was laid. It's where all my organic relationships are. It's a place where everyone has your back when you're doing something impactful."

For players, being involved in the community is as much a part of Polk State Basketball as attending class or showing up to practice. Players play a vital role in helping with camps. Many, such as former All-FCSAA performers Tekorian "TK" Smith and George Pridgett, provide private lessons or work with local youth during their playing careers.

"We are who we are because of this community," Giles said. "For community members to support this program the way they do, the giveback is player involvement. It's fulfilling for the supporters and for the players."

"During my time at Polk, I could sense the community support from the second I arrived," said Pridgett, who is now enrolled at Florida International University. "The camps allow Polk State players and residents of Polk County to both pour into one another, which is great. Coach Giles does an excellent job of making everyone feel welcome."

As a teenager, Giles was a standout at Auburndale High School before going on to play four years at Western Carolina University where he was a three-time All-Southern Conference performer. Giles ranks in the top 10 in Western Carolina history in points scored and field goals made. He briefly played professionally in Germany. Although Giles could have made a life in basketball in many places, the opportunity to return home was something he couldn't pass up.

"I remember the feeling I had when (former Athletics Director) Bing Tyus, (former Head Coach) Matt Furjanic, and (Senior Vice President for Student Services and Campus Operations) Reggie Webb reached out to me about this position," Giles recalled. "I felt a reassurance unlike any other and that it was like God was talking to me and telling me it was time to come home."

Giles has continued to embrace the different factions of the community throughout various outreach efforts. Last season, Polk State played just 11 home games, but six were promotional. Throughout the course of the season, the Eagles honored military veterans, educators, College organizations, civic organizations, and finally, boosters.

"The majority of our roster is from somewhere else," Giles said. "When you're away from your family and friends, it's easy to feel lonely or get homesick. For our players to feel like they have people outside their locker room who support them is huge for their time here."

Over his first six years, Giles has guided Polk State to three winning seasons. In 2022, Polk State made its first FCSAA Tournament appearance under Giles as he and his father became the only father-son duo in FCSAA history to lead a program to the state tournament. While Giles hopes to add more championship banners to the walls in the Winter Haven Campus Health Center, he and Assistant Coach Josh Jackson also take pride in developing players into young men.

"No matter where I am, I'll always be there and be grateful for Coach Giles and Coach Jackson," said Smith, Polk State's all-time leading scorer who spent this summer giving private basketball lessons back in the community. "They made me a better all-around person. They challenged me as a man and as a leader. I'll be forever thankful that they have the confidence in me."

Guests such as Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and renowned motivational speaker Tony Gaskins have taken time to speak to the team in years past. Local business owners, in lieu of or in addition to financial contributions, have also given players opportunities to learn skills they can use long after their basketball careers are over.

"One unique thing about our community is the impact they have on our student-athletes," Giles noted. "Our players have been given jobs, internships, shadow days – the list goes on."

To donate to Polk State Athletics, click here and select "Athletics" in the drop-down menu. To donate or get involved with Polk State Basketball, email Giles at BGiles@polk.edu.