Josh McLeod tabbed as permanent head coach of Edmonds women's basketball

Josh McLeod

LYNNWOOD – Josh McLeod has been named head coach of the Edmonds College women’s basketball program. McLeod served as the interim coach this past season, stepping into the role the week of the team’s first game.

It’s a fresh start and exciting time for Triton women’s basketball.

Prior to his arrival at Edmonds, McLeod was the lead assistant for the Lincoln High School (Tacoma) boys program in 2018-19, head coach of the Texas RedWolves of the American Basketball Association in 2015-16 in San Antonio, Texas, and head assistant of the men’s basketball team at the University of Puget Sound (UPS) from 2011-2014. He also assisted boys high school teams at his alma mater, Kentwood High (2010-2012) and Tahoma High (2009-2010). He coached various grassroots programs as well, including BallinIsaHabit (17U girls), Cloud Supreme (17U boys) based out of San Antonio, and Emerald City Basketball Academy in Auburn from 2009-2013.

McLeod is also the head coach of the Northwest Blazers 17U AAU girls team. The Under Armour-sponsored travel club is comprised of top high school players from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

When he was at Lincoln the Abes won the Pierce County League championship and advanced to the semifinals of the Class 3A State Tournament. In his first year leading the RedWolves the team advanced to the ABA National Championships. While at UPS in 2011 the Loggers went 20-7 and were ranked as high as No. 12 in the country. Kentwood won the South Puget Sound League championship and qualified for the Class 4A State Tournament the year he assisted.

“It was very apparent in Josh’s interview that he’s gained valuable insight and perspective from his experience as interim coach,” said athletic director Spencer Stark. “We think Josh is the person to lead the change in culture, and build the foundation of the women’s basketball program. He is rooted in his core values and has a defined vision for how he wants to attack this.”

McLeod played men’s basketball at Edmonds for legendary Hall of Fame coach Keith Kingsbury from 2002-2004 before moving on to Dickinson State University (N.D.), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Management.

“I have tremendous pride in this institution ever since I competed here as a player under the late Keith Kingsbury,” he said. “I hope to build a legacy just as he did with the men’s program for over 25 years at Edmonds College.”

McLeod’s professional career as a technology and engineering recruiter for Amazon, Facebook, and now Mapbox, should help him to attract players. He has prior job experience in fundraising at non-profits and has started and operated camps as an assistant with the University of Puget Sound.

“I’m humbled and honored to be named as the head coach. I want to thank the panel members for believing in my vision,” McLeod said. “We will strive to create a competitive environment based on the values of being humble, encouraging, respectful, and ever-evolving on the court and in the classroom.”

Shawn Sims will return as the lead assistant, and McLeod has added Adiya Jones-Smith, a former NWAC standout at Skagit Valley College, to his staff.  

McLeod can be reached by cell phone at 650-796-9793 and by email at Joshua.mcleod@edmonds.edu.