FREDERICKSBURG, VA – The University of Mary Washington has announced the promotion of Rod Wood from head men’s basketball coach to the administrative position of Director of Athletic Facilities at the University, effective at the end of the year.
“We are pleased that Coach Rod Wood is making the transition to administration and that he will continue to contribute to the University of Mary Washington and the athletic department”, said UMW Director of Athletics Ken Tyler. “Coach Wood fittingly concludes his outstanding 18-year basketball head coaching career at UMW after the best season in school history, which culminated in our historic run to the Elite Eight. While his on-the-court record is exemplary, even more impressive is the positive impact he has had on countless student-athletes. Coach Wood literally built the men’s basketball program and leaves it in great shape as a contender on the conference, regional, and national level. We’re very glad that he will assist in the transition to new leadership in the program. We thank Coach Wood for his many contributions to UMW and look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
Wood will continue to teach in his new role at the University, and will will oversee the operation and marketing of the athletic facilities for internal and external uses.
“I’m excited about this new opportunity presented by Coach Tyler”, said Wood. “I am excited about this new phase of my career. It’s a natural course of progression for coaches who have been coaching for many years. I’m excited to work with everyone in my new capacity.”
Wood caps his coaching career at UMW with a 274-200 record, having claimed four CAC Coach of the Year awards. This year’s team finished with a 25-6 record, the most wins in a season in program history, and advanced to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Tournament after claiming the Capital Athletic Conference tournament championship.
“I’ll definitely miss coaching basketball, but I believe I’ve left the program in a good state and look forward to the new coach taking what we’ve been able to do and take it to even bigger and better things”, said Wood.