Josh Wilson

Founder – South Sound Roots Academy
Head Coach – Tumwater High School Boys Basketball

Josh Wilson’s story is one of full-circle purpose—a journey that began on community courts in southwest Washington and has grown into a lifelong mission to empower young athletes through the game of basketball.

Raised in Longview, Washington, Josh grew up in a town where the gym was more than just a place to play—it was a refuge, a teacher, and a proving ground. At a young age, he gravitated to basketball not just for the competition, but for the structure, the lessons, and the way it brought people together.

Josh’s talent was clear early on, but it was his work ethic, leadership, and feel for the game that truly set him apart. At Mark Morris High School, a storied basketball program in Longview, Josh developed into one of the state’s top guards. As a senior, he led the Monarchs to the state tournament, earning All-State honors and the Greater St. Helens League MVP, while becoming known as a high-IQ floor general who elevated everyone around him.

That court vision and leadership earned him a scholarship to Northern Arizona University (NAU), where he would leave an indelible mark. Josh became the school’s all-time assist leader, recording 636 career assists, and still holds the NAU single-season assist record (195). He led the Big Sky Conference in assists for three consecutive years—a first in conference history—and finished top 10 nationally in assists per game during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

His college career was defined by consistency, unselfishness, and leadership. Josh started 113 games, helped guide the Lumberjacks to multiple Big Sky Championship appearances, and was known for his poise under pressure and his complete understanding of the game. He was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award and served as team captain during his senior season.

After college, Josh extended his basketball career into the professional ranks, signing with clubs in Germany, Hungary, and Finland. He quickly made an impact overseas:

In Germany, he averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists per game, earning a top‑3 league ranking in assists and scoring 29 points in just his second pro game.
In Hungary, he had a breakout two-year run with Kaposvári KK, averaging nearly 20 points and 6 assists per game, earning All-Star honors, and posting a career-high 43-point game. He was twice named Eurobasket Player of the Week.
In Finland, he played with surgical efficiency—shooting 48% from three-point range and 93% from the free throw line, while leading his team in assists.

But despite the accolades and achievements, Josh always felt a deeper calling. His most important work, he believed, wasn’t in putting up numbers—it was in giving back.

In 2010, Josh launched Roots Basketball in his hometown of Longview. What began as a local training effort quickly grew into a structured youth development program, built to provide high-level training and mentorship to underserved athletes. As demand grew, Josh knew the work needed to expand with it. In 2015, he relocated to Olympia, bringing the Roots philosophy with him. That move paved the way for something even bigger.

In 2016, Josh co-founded South Sound Roots Academy with longtime friend and fellow coach Kelly Golob, combining their shared vision of community-based development and elite training access. South Sound Roots became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serving athletes from kindergarten through high school across Thurston County and beyond. It offers year-round programs, college pathway support, character education, and a culture grounded in work ethic, accountability, and inclusion.

Since its founding, South Sound Roots has helped hundreds of student-athletes—many from underrepresented communities—find confidence, opportunity, and purpose through basketball.

In 2017, Josh took over as head coach of Tumwater High School’s boys basketball program, where he has led a culture shift built on toughness, belief, and development. Under his leadership, Tumwater has achieved playoff success, won a district championship, and sent players to college—while building a program known for both competitiveness and character.

Josh now lives in Tumwater, Washington, where he works full-time in the finance industry while also helping lead South Sound Roots Academy as a volunteer. He remains actively involved in guiding the nonprofit’s programs, mentoring young athletes, and advancing the mission he co-founded.

Through it all—whether coaching in the gym, mentoring off the court, or balancing his professional life—Josh remains guided by a simple truth:

Basketball isn’t just a game. It’s a tool to build lives.

Dr. Kelly Golob

Founder – South Sound Roots Academy

From Hardwood Dreams to Healing Hands: The Journey of Dr. Kelly Golob

Kelly Golob’s story begins in the gymnasiums of Olympia High School, where his dedication, basketball IQ, and smooth shooting stroke set him apart. As a standout in Washington’s capital city, Kelly was more than just a high scorer—he was a leader. His talent and work ethic earned him a scholarship to Northern Arizona University (NAU), where his name would soon be etched into school history.

Northern Arizona: A Legacy Forged in Lumberjack Blue

From 2002 to 2006, Kelly became one of the most decorated players in NAU basketball history. Over four seasons, he scored 1,550 points, breaking the career scoring record where he now currently sits as the second all-time leading scorer in the program’s history. A model of consistency, Kelly never missed a game—playing in all 116 contests, more than any player before him.

In his senior season (2005–06), he averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 43.8% from the field, 42.8% from beyond the arc, and 85.1% from the free-throw line. These numbers weren’t just good—they were elite.

But Kelly’s achievements extended beyond the stat sheet. He earned:

First Team All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2006
A spot on the Big Sky All-Tournament Team in 2004
The title of NAU Male Athlete of the Year
Recognition as an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American
Selection as an NSCA Strength & Conditioning All-American
And one of the NCAA’s prestigious Postgraduate Scholarships

In 2011, his impact was immortalized with induction into the NAU Athletics Hall of Fame—a testament to his exceptional career on and off the court.

Going Global: Professional Play in Germany

Following college, Kelly signed his first professional contract in Europe, joining BBC Bayreuth in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga during the 2006–07 season. Despite being a rookie, he was named to the All-Domestic Players Team, an honor reserved for the league’s top home-grown and non-import talents.

Though detailed game-by-game stats from that era are sparse, the recognition underscored what those who had watched Kelly for years already knew—his game translated at every level. His time in Germany refined his skillset, broadened his worldview, and planted the seeds for the next phase of his life.

Hoopfest Glory: MVP in the Streets of Spokane

Even after leaving the professional circuit, Kelly’s competitive fire never waned. In 2014, he joined forces with former NAU teammates, including Josh Wilson and Ryan McDade, to compete in the Elite Division at Spokane Hoopfest—the largest 3-on-3 tournament in the world.

Facing elite talent and packed crowds, Kelly’s team, “Roots Basketball,” triumphed over local powerhouse Spokane Club in the championship. Kelly led the charge and was named Tournament MVP, adding another accolade to his decorated basketball résumé.

“We knew we were going to have to move and shoot well to beat them,” he reflected afterward.

It was his sixth Hoopfest appearance, but that title and MVP honor made it unforgettable.

A New Chapter: From Athlete to Healer

After the professional and competitive chapters of his playing career, Kelly turned his focus to healing. He pursued chiropractic training and in 2011 joined Tumwater Chiropractic Center, where he now helps patients find relief from back pain, neck injuries, and sports-related strains. His clinics, which also serve Lacey and Olympia, have become pillars of health and wellness in Thurston County.

What makes Kelly different as a chiropractor is his experience as an elite athlete. He understands movement, pain, and recovery not just from textbooks—but from lived experience. Whether he’s working with a high school athlete or a patient recovering from surgery, Kelly brings empathy and insight to every adjustment.

South Sound Roots: Building Future Leaders

In 2016, Kelly teamed up once again with longtime friend and former teammate Josh Wilson to co-found South Sound Roots Academy. More than just a basketball program, Roots is a platform for personal growth, mentorship, and opportunity. The Academy creates access for under-resourced youth to high-level training and competition, while instilling values like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

As a volunteer leader, Kelly gives his time to the organization—not just on the court, but behind the scenes, building systems and supporting young coaches. South Sound Roots reflects his belief that basketball is a tool—not just for winning games, but for shaping lives.

Rotary and Service: Beyond the Court

Kelly’s commitment to service doesn’t end at his clinic doors. He’s an active member of the Lacey Rotary Club, where he has served in leadership, including as club president. Through Rotary, he participates in service projects, youth mentorship, and global humanitarian efforts—reinforcing a core theme in his life: giving back.

Today: Rooted in Purpose

Now residing in Tumwater, Washington, Dr. Kelly Golob is many things—chiropractor, business owner, community builder, and basketball lifer. He helps lead one of the region’s most impactful youth sports programs. He’s a trusted health professional and civic leader. And he continues to inspire athletes young and old, proving that purpose, passion, and perseverance can carry you far beyond the game.

From record-breaking college performances to MVP runs at Hoopfest, from pro basketball in Europe to healing hands in Tumwater, Kelly Golob’s journey is a powerful reminder: success isn’t just what you accomplish—it’s what you give back.