Southern Wesleyan University Men's Basketball

Dr. Joel Stites is coming from Valdosta, Georgia as an accomplished head basketball coach, at the men’s varsity level in high school, spanning over 13 years. In that time, he has compiled nearly 230 wins, coaching in both the private and public school levels. His teams have had remarkable success with nine trips to the Sweet Sixteen, two Final Four appearances, and a State Championship in 2017. In the same year, Joel earned GISA Coach of the Year in his class. His 2017 team achieved a ranking as the NAAPS #2 team in the nation in their class. During the last decade, his teams have had no less than a winning record. He has been privileged to have over a dozen players receive offers to play beyond high school. Beyond his coaching achievements, Joel has been blessed with a 23 year career in dentistry. He received his Doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed an AEGD residency at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force Dental Squadron for three years, finishing at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. He has been a staff doctor at South Georgia Medical Center for 18 years, and has served as the Chief of Dentistry. He met his wife, Kristina, in Valdosta and has been married to her for 15 years. Together, they have helped shape the lives of countless players. Joel is excited about making the jump to coaching at the D2 level. He is eager to continue his pursuit of equipping young men, not only basketball, but in life, using a Christ-centered mindset

Javon Summers joined the Men's Basketball coaching staff in the summer of 2024. “I’m really excited to have Coach Summers here working with me.  It was quite a process finding the right man for the job,” said Head Coach Joel Stites.  “I know that Javon is going to do a great job for Southern Wesleyan.  He will help build toward my vision of SWU going forward.  This will be a different team.  I look forward to seeing what Coach Summers and myself can accomplish!  I’m grateful to his wife, Staci, and their children for joining the program as well.” Coach Summers began his coaching career in 2015 as a student assistant at his Alma Mater, Carolina University.  After his graduation, he moved up to become the Associate Head Coach of the Bruins in 2016.  During his time at Carolina University, Summers recruited a two time All-American and a Conference Player of the Year.  Several more of his players received All-Conference honors. In 2022, Summers and his family moved to Toccoa, Georgia where he became the Associate Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball program at Toccoa Falls College.  He was later promoted to Head Coach.  During his tenure with the Toccoa Falls Screaming Eagles, he helped lead the team to their first conference title in over 20 years.  Under his guidance, he coached the NCCAA National Player of the Year who went on to be a two-time conference player of the Year.  He also instructed four All-Conference players and his team went on to have a national tournament appearance. Throughout his coaching career, he has also helped several former players find a place on overseas professional teams.  His goal as the assistant at Southern Wesleyan University is to instill core principles and Christian values as well as continuing the success he has had on the court.  “I am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside Coach Stites,” commented Summers.  “I look forward to assisting in bringing a winning culture to Southern Wesleyan.” Summers and his wife, Staci, have three children and reside in Toccoa, Georgia.