Saginaw Soul
“When building this organization, one priority stood above all else: our culture.”
I believe in building a team united by a shared vision and unwavering drive. For us, success isn’t measured by wins alone—it’s reflected in everything our organization stands for.
Winning the right way means cultivating character, accountability, and community. It’s about how we carry ourselves on and off the court, how we treat each other, and the impact we make in Saginaw and beyond.
At the Saginaw Soul, our culture is our foundation. It drives our decisions, defines our standards, and shapes the legacy we’re building—together.
Our Mission
Our goal is to establish a professional basketball team in Saginaw, Michigan that goes far beyond the game. We’re not just here to compete in the Basketball Super League (BSL) — we’re here to ignite transformation in our community.
The Saginaw Soul will be a team that embodies the true soul of Saginaw — a symbol of resilience, pride, and purpose. Through basketball, we aim to fuel local pride, foster connection, and create real opportunities for the people who call this city home.
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Our Leaders
Kelly Garety
TMO/CEO
Kelly Garety is a proud graduate of Northwood University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Management. With over 15 years of successful sales and marketing experience, Kelly is driven by a deep passion for connecting with people and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Kelly is excited and honored to be the Team Market Owner for the Saginaw Soul, where she brings her leadership, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills to the forefront of community-focused sports and entertainment. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence make her a dynamic force both on and off the field.
Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently demonstrated a talent for overcoming objections, resolving customer concerns, and achieving outstanding results. Her success is rooted in her belief that excellent customer service is built on strong, authentic relationships. She takes pride in cultivating connections that extend well beyond the initial sale, earning her a reputation for trustworthiness and dependability.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys a busy and fulfilling life with her husband, Joe, and their three daughters, who range in age from preschool to high school. In the summer months, you can often find her on the golf course, enjoying time with friends and fellow members of the women’s golf league.
Joe Garety
President/General Manager
Joe Garety was born and raised in Midland, Michigan, where he developed a lifelong love for sports. An avid athlete growing up, Joe participated in basketball, baseball, and hockey, and later competed in football and track at Midland High School, graduating in 2007.
He went on to attend Central Michigan University from 2007 to 2013, where he studied Sport Management and Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts. During his time at CMU, Joe remained active in athletics, playing lacrosse and participating in a variety of intramural sports.
Today, Joe serves as the President of the Saginaw Soul, where he brings his passion for sports, leadership experience, and community-driven mindset to the organization. In his role, Joe focuses on building a strong foundation for the team, fostering community engagement, and promoting a culture of excellence both on and off the field.
Joe’s background in athletics, combined with his academic and professional experience, makes him a dynamic and influential figure in the growth of local sports and entertainment.
Mike Palko
Director of Business Operations
Mike Palko is a seasoned sports operations professional and entrepreneur, bringing a dynamic blend of athletic administration, coaching experience, and business acumen to his role as Director of Business Operations for the Saginaw Soul professional basketball team.
Mike also serves as the Director of Football Operations and Specialists Coach at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where he is responsible for team logistics, management, and special teams coordination within the Cardinals football program. His leadership experience spans both collegiate and professional levels, including work with the United Football League (UFL) in video operations and ticket sales for teams such as the UFL Stars and UFL Panthers.
In addition to his sports management career, Mike is a licensed real estate agent and the founder of Palko Properties, based in Frankenmuth, Michigan. He holds a Master’s degree in Sport Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University.
As Director of Business Operations for the Saginaw Soul, Mike is focused on building a strong organizational foundation rooted in operational excellence, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. His passion for sports and deep ties to the Saginaw region make him a key leader in advancing the team’s mission to inspire and connect with fans across the Great Lakes Bay Area.
Chantel Washburn
Sponsorships and Sales Manager
Chantel Washburn serves as the Sponsorships and Sales Manager for the Saginaw Soul, bringing a strong background in retail and sponsorship sales and a proven record of success across multiple industries. A proud native of the Mid Michigan Area, Chantel’s deep local roots and professional expertise make her a valuable connection point between the organization and the broader community.
With years of successful experience in retail management and business development, Chantel has consistently delivered results by building authentic relationships and identifying strategic opportunities for growth. Her ability to connect brands with impactful platforms has driven meaningful partnerships that support both the team’s mission and community engagement.
In her role with the Soul, Chantel is responsible for developing sponsorship opportunities, managing partner relationships, and helping expand the team’s presence throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. Her passion for people, paired with her sales acumen, brings energy and vision to the front office.
Chantel Washburn’s commitment to excellence, local pride, and people-first approach are central to the Saginaw Soul’s mission of building a team that thrives on and off the court.
Terrance Roberson
Director of Basketball Operations
Terrance Roberson, a proud Saginaw native and former professional basketball standout, serves as the Director of Basketball Operations for the Saginaw Soul, the city’s new franchise in the Basketball Super League (BSL). His appointment brings not only a wealth of global basketball experience but also a deep-rooted commitment to the Saginaw community, positioning him as a key leader in the team’s development and long-term success.
Roberson’s basketball journey began at Buena Vista High School in Saginaw, Michigan, where his exceptional talent earned him national recognition. He is one of only four players in history to be named to the Parade All-American team three times, a testament to his elite skill and consistency. He continued his collegiate career at Fresno State University from 1996 to 2000, where he averaged 16.3 points per game in his senior season. Following college, Roberson signed with the Charlotte Hornets and appeared in three games during the 2000–01 NBA season.
After his time in the NBA, Roberson built a distinguished international basketball career, competing professionally in Italy, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, Finland, Mexico, France, Switzerland, Romania, and Canada. Among his many accomplishments, he was a member of the 2005 Ukrainian League championship team.
In recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements and contributions to the community, Roberson was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2018.
As Director of Basketball Operations, Roberson brings a global perspective to the Saginaw Soul, overseeing player development, team logistics, and basketball operations strategy. His connection to Saginaw, combined with his expansive basketball background, makes him an invaluable asset in helping the Soul establish a strong competitive foundation while deeply engaging with the community through the power of sport.
Isiah “Zeke” Thomas
Head Coach
Zeke Thomas serves as the Head Coach of the Saginaw Soul, a professional basketball franchise proudly representing Saginaw, Michigan in the Basketball Super League (BSL). A graduate of Saginaw High School and Albion College, Thomas brings a powerful combination of hometown pride, collegiate playing experience, and strategic basketball insight to his leadership role.
At Saginaw High, Thomas distinguished himself as a standout student-athlete, earning recognition for his relentless work ethic, leadership qualities, and competitive drive. He continued his academic and athletic journey at Albion College, where he honed his basketball IQ and developed a team-first mindset that now shapes his coaching philosophy.
As Head Coach, Thomas is committed to building a culture of discipline, character, and community impact. He is passionate about developing his players not only as athletes but as leaders — emphasizing accountability, mental toughness, and a deep connection to the Saginaw community they proudly represent.
Known for his calm demeanor, strong core values, and personal investment in the growth of his team, Coach Zeke Thomas leads the Saginaw Soul with vision, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
When he’s not on the sidelines, Thomas enjoys spending time in the kitchen — his passion for cooking is a creative outlet that reflects the same care, discipline, and attention to detail he brings to coaching.
Annett “Big-Job” Babers
Head Assistant Coach
Annette “Big Job” Babers brings a storied legacy and a deep well of basketball experience to her role as Head Assistant Coach for the Saginaw Soul. A proud Saginaw native, Babers made her mark early as a dominant force at Saginaw High School, where she led the Trojans to a Class A state championship in her sophomore year, averaging 20.1 points and 19 rebounds per game. Her senior year was even more impressive, with averages of 24.8 points, 21 rebounds, and 15 blocks per game, earning her USA Today and Parade Magazine All-American honors, as well as co-Player of the Year recognition by Parade.
Babers continued her basketball journey at Michigan State University, following earlier stops at Howard Universityand Anderson Junior College. While at MSU, she had the honor of competing in the Junior Olympics, further showcasing her elite talent on a national stage. Despite a season-ending knee injury during her sophomore year, she returned with resilience, leading the Spartans in rebounds and setting a single-season record with 36 blocked shots as a senior. Her final season included five double-doubles, underscoring her determination and dominance on the court.
Following her playing career, Babers transitioned into coaching, dedicating herself to mentoring athletes, cultivating leadership, and fostering a mindset of mental toughness and competitive excellence. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes turning adversity into opportunity and a firm belief in the process of winning.
In recognition of her impact on and off the court, Babers was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, becoming the first African American female to receive the honor — a testament to her trailblazing career and lasting influence.
Babers’ return to Saginaw represents a full-circle moment — bringing her back to the city where her basketball story began. Her dedication, leadership, and championship pedigree position her as a foundational figure in building a culture of resilience, growth, and sustained success for the Saginaw Soul.
She is also the proud aunt of NBA star and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, and still treasures the competitive bond the two of them share — a reflection of the enduring spirit of family, basketball, and drive that defines her life on and off the court.
Jace Alaniz
Assistant Coach
Jace Alaniz serves as an Assistant Coach and Trainer for the Saginaw Soul, bringing a fresh, forward-thinking approach to player development and team performance. With a passion rooted in education and personal growth, Jace focuses on sharpening and rewiring mindsets to help athletes find success both on and off the court.
Jace believes in the power of perspective — transforming adversity into opportunity and turning losses into lessons. His commitment to the process of winning is grounded in a teaching philosophy he discovered early in grade school, which continues to fuel his purpose and passion today.
In his role with the Soul, Jace is responsible for film study and analysis, breaking down player and team tendencies to enhance strategic awareness. He also supports the coaching staff in multiple capacities, contributing to daily practices, game planning, and overall team development.
Dedicated, detail-oriented, and driven by a love for teaching, Jace Alaniz brings invaluable insight and energy to the Saginaw Soul’s coaching staff as they work to build a culture of excellence, resilience, and continuous improvement.
Danté Williams
Head Player Development Coach
Dante Williams, a seasoned basketball professional, brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for the sport to his position as Head Player Development Coach for the Saginaw Soul. Hailing from Romulus, Michigan, Williams demonstrated his talent from a young age, playing as a guard for East Tennessee State University (2005-2007) and concluding his collegiate journey at Saginaw Valley State University (2007-2009). Williams graduated with a degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology and coaching.
Subsequently, Williams embarked on a professional basketball career spanning from 2010 to 2019. He was drafted into the NBA G-League and had the privilege of playing in five countries, including Germany, Cyprus, Ukraine, Qatar, and Sweden.
Williams’ commitment to the game extends beyond his playing days. He has dedicated himself to player development, mentoring, and athlete growth, emphasizing the significance of mental toughness, resilience, and continuous improvement. His coaching philosophy revolves around transforming challenges into opportunities and cultivating a mindset conducive to success.
In his role with the Saginaw Soul, Williams is responsible for overseeing player development programs, with a primary focus on enhancing individual skills and collectively improving team performance. His analytical approach and profound understanding of the intricacies of the game make him an invaluable asset to the coaching staff.
With unwavering commitment to excellence and an ardent love for basketball, Dante Williams is poised to make a substantial impact on the Saginaw Soul’s trajectory in the Basketball Super League. His dedication to fostering both mental and physical growth positions him as a pivotal figure in the team’s pursuit of success.
