Josh Woodz understands what it takes to be the first. He was a walk-on for the University of South Carolina’s football team when they won their first eleven-win season and he finished his bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He went on to earn his master’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Southern Mississippi after an NFL internship with the Miami Dolphins. Since then, Josh has continued to be a well-respected, successful contributor to education, sports, health, and leadership. He has served diverse communities in multifaceted roles that allowed him to develop and implement strength and conditioning initiatives for various Division 1 colleges, military battalions, and NFL teams. He became one of the first African American sports scientists in the NFL in 2022, and he continues to facilitate strength and conditioning initiatives for NFL and other organizational professionals in athletic, health, educational, and corporate spaces today. 

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Adjusting to Life's Audibles

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Drawing from his personal experiences, science/data, and the unique experiences of his clients, Josh creates customized programs for each client and/or group. "I care about what's going on with my clients," said Josh. "I use their understanding and experiences and couple that with my own to help bring out the best in them." One experience that demonstrates Josh's ability to pivot and use circumstances to help himself and those around him soar happened at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

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In March 2020, Josh’s full-time position with the Xtreme Football League came to an abrupt end when the league was forced to shut down in response to COVID-19 concerns. Taking a pivot from the traditional coaching he had done, Josh began training U.S. Army soldiers as the lead strength coach for his battalion. His designed and implemented brigade workouts led his battalion to be recognized as the most fit battalion in the U.S. Army.

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Maximizing Time​

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Josh is so grateful for his time serving active U.S. military and U.S. military veterans, as well as his experiences with local schools in and around his hometown in Gaffney, SC and his welcomed contributions at Division 1 colleges. He continues to use his knowledge and expertise to address physical, mental, and emotional disparities that affect his and surrounding communities.

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While coaching in the NFL, Josh lost his sister due to health complications. Reflecting, Josh said, "Losing my young sister – she was just 37 years old – really inspired me to do more with my time and help those around me best fulfill their time." Josh accredits that loss as the catalyst for him creating four tailored wellness programs designed to help organizations and individuals emit their best. Josh designed the programs to help elevate, mentor, inspire, and train individuals and organizational teams by offering strength and conditioning plans/programs, motivational speaking/speech writing, life coaching, and comedy.