For Polk State basketball forward Carson Beisner, the strength of his game is the shooting range. But his defense extends far beyond the court.
Beisner, 20, was named team captain before the season. Beisner, a 6-foot-7 native of Fort Myers, is one of only three players returning from last season.
“It definitely felt great to be named captain,” Beisner said. “For me, it shows that all the hard work has paid off. It also highlights what I've done outside of basketball. Becoming a captain was one of my goals after last season. It was.”
Beisner hasn't put up big numbers through 25 games with the Eagles this season. But his voice resonates with his teammates.
“He's doing everything the right way,” head coach Brandon Giles said. “He values his three C's in the classroom, his character, and on the court. He is truly a student-athlete. Carson has great self-discipline and holds himself accountable in all aspects of his life.” I owe you.”
Beisner, who was named to the FCSAA and NJCAA All-Academic teams for the 2022-23 academic year, has a cumulative grade point average of 3.75. After earning an associate of arts degree over the summer, Beisner is already working toward a bachelor of applied science degree in supervision and management at Polk State University.
“Guys are attracted to him,” Giles added. “He's always checking in on his teammates. No matter what personal success he has, Carson wants the team to succeed. He has a great business savvy mindset. . He’s a winner.”
Beisner has been running his own apparel business for more than a year. THEPRJCT – pronounced The Project – he operates primarily online at www.theprjct.co. Beisner sells over 500 of his items, including men's and women's polo shirts, compression athletic wear, and business uniforms.
“My guarantee is that if you want me to make something, I'll think of it,” he explained. “That's why I call it 'THEPRJCT.'”
Beisner admits he's learning on the go when it comes to running a business, but he's already had some notable successes. Beisner designed the Cypress warm-up for his Lake High School varsity baseball team in his hometown of Fort Myers. Recently, business-savvy content creator Ricky Zollinger wore a Beisner polo shirt during a podcast.
“I've always loved business,” Beisner said. “My mom's family is full of entrepreneurs. I chose apparel because it's something I can do while playing basketball and going to school.”
For the sophomore forward, his two passions overlap. Beisner is combining the skills he learned as a business owner and as a major to become a better leader on the basketball court.
“Being a business owner has made me a better communicator,” he said. “That will definitely reflect in court.”
After finishing the 2022-23 season with an 11-18 record, Beisner has tried to help this season's team learn from last season's mistakes. Polk State, which qualified for the FCSAA tournament, has already surpassed last season's win total.
“My biggest goal is just to bring everyone together,” the sophomore forward added. “Until last year, I didn't realize how important team chemistry was. We're all college athletes, so we're okay to a certain extent. If we're going to accomplish our goals, we have to accomplish them together. .”
Although the 2022-23 season wasn't memorable on the court for Polk State, Beisner learned lessons from his older teammates. George Pridgett, team captain last season, taught Beisner how to be a leader. Jaelyn Simpson, a guard on last season's team, is also a business owner, and the two keep in touch to discuss business ideas and marketing strategies.
“George has been a really good leader and mentor to me,” Beisner said. “He worked hard every day. I learned through him how important it is to concentrate during practice.”
Throughout the academic year, Giles invites talented guest speakers to speak to the team. The goal is to give players unique perspectives and life lessons that they can utilize on and off the court. Giles said no one follows up or works as hard as Beisner.
“The great thing about Carson is that he's invested in himself, his health, his health, his game, his career,” Giles noted. “He has used his experience to hold his teammates accountable.”
Entering Saturday's game against Florida Southwestern State in Beisner's hometown of Fort Myers, Beisner ranks sixth on the team in 3-pointers made. The team captain finished January with a career-high 16 points and 13 rebounds in a 123-77 win over Rising Stars Academy.
“The best part of basketball is game day, and it always has been,” Beisner said. “Good luck to Coach Giles. Knowing what his father accomplished here motivates us to do what we can to be successful here.”
