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 and is blessed to have the opportunity to join Coach Hewitt and the SWU family. He is eager to continue his pursuit of equipping young men, not only basketball, but in life, using a Christ-centered mindset