WINTER HAVEN -- Polk State Basketball is looking for guest speakers to talk to the team to provide guidance, motivation, and mentorship as the 2023-24 season approaches and throughout.

Under seventh-year Head Coach Brandon Giles, Polk State has prided itself in preparing players with skills that supersede basketball. Through community connections, players in the past have had opportunities to shadow local business and community leaders or do offseason internships.

"We consistently emphasize to our athletes that they're going to be men for far longer than they'll be basketball players," Giles said. "Basketball is finite. While they're at Polk State, we want them to develop skills, make connections, and learn life lessons they can use when they're professionals, husbands, and fathers."

Speaking sessions will take place every Friday, beginning on Aug. 18. They will last throughout the course of the season. All interested parties will be vetted before being permitted to speak.

Guests in the past include Tony Gaskins, a renowned motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Those interested in speaking to the team can sign up here.