WINTER HAVEN – Three of Polk State College's five athletic teams now have a former player as part of the coaching staff.

A member of Head Coach Jessica Beal's first Polk State team, Deyja Tshibangu will return to the program to serve as Assistant Coach. With former assistant Hunter Parrish leaving to be the head coach at Graceland University, an NAIA program in Iowa, Tshibangu will serve as the lone assistant for the upcoming 2026 season.

"I was back home visiting old teammates when I spoke with Coach Jessica, who had an assistant position open," Tshibangu recalled. "I was coaching club volleyball, looking to get into a higher level and this seemed like the perfect opportunity."

As a freshman for Polk State in 2024, Tshibangu appeared in 14 matches and finished third on the team in both kills per set (1.69) and blocks per set (0.43). Tshibangu registered eight kills in wins over St. Johns River State College and the University of South Carolina Sumter that season – the Eagles' first two wins against junior college competition under Beal.

"Watching an athlete grow through the challenges, sacrifices and victories of our program is one of the greatest privileges of this profession," Beal said. "For Deyja to now stand beside me as a coach is a full-circle moment that fills me with pride. She understands what this program represents because she helped build it. She knows the standard, the culture and the heart behind everything we do."

Following one season at Polk State, Tshibangu transferred to Monroe University in New York for her sophomore year. For the Mustangs last season, Tshibangu averaged 1.6 kills and 0.21 blocks per set as Monroe finished 35-8 and reached the national NJCAA Division II Tournament. 

"Having played at Polk, I experienced what being an athlete was like firsthand," Tshibangu added. "I'm excited to work with the players, get them to where they want to be and help make Polk State a winning program."

Following stints as a player at Polk State and Monroe, Tshibangu earned her Associate in Arts degree from St. Petersburg College this year. She is continuing her education by pursuing a bachelor's degree in education.

"I like Coach Beal's philosophy of developing well-rounded players," Tshibangu explained. "I started out as a middle (in high school) before moving to the right side at Polk and even spent some time setting at the national tournament (at Monroe). You never know where you're going to have to play. I want to help make our athletes better people as well."

In addition to her on-the-court accolades, Tshibangu was also an FCSAA and NJCAA All-Academic team selection at Polk State during the 2024-25 Academic Year. Tshibangu was also named to the NJCAA and American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Academic teams to conclude her career at Monroe. 

Tshibangu has long volunteered in coaching and mentoring youth volleyball players. She spent the last year coaching the 14U and 15U divisions at Team Kiwi – a Tampa-based club team.

"This isn't just about adding another coach to our staff. It's about continuing a legacy of leadership, resilience and belief in the next generation of Eagles," Beal added. "I couldn't be more excited to welcome her home. I know she will inspire our student-athletes the same way she once inspired her teammates, and I can't wait to watch the impact she'll make on this program. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."

In addition to Tshibangu, both of Polk State's diamond sports have former Eagles serving as pitching coaches. Former All-Conference pitchers Brittany Anderson (softball) and Jacob Heath (baseball) each completed their first season on staff this spring.

"I grew up in a winning culture and have always been competitive," Tshibangu concluded. "I'm still growing as a coach, but I want to help the players grow as well. I'm grateful for this opportunity."