Nick Woodruff has been named the 12th men’s head basketball coach in University of West Alabama history, according to an announcement today by Director of Athletics Bobby Wallace. Woodruff replaces Allen Sharpe, who left UWA to become the head coach at NJCAA Wallace State (Story HERE).
Woodruff, 33, has served on Sharpe’s staff at UWA for the last six years, including the last five as associate head coach. Prior to coming to West Alabama, Woodruff spent four years on Sharpe’s staff at Arkansas-Monticello.
With an active hand in all facets of the day-to-day operations of the West Alabama program, Woodruff is generally credited with recruiting much of the talent that has led the Tigers to 108 victories (18 per season), two Gulf South Conference championships and three 20-plus win seasons over the last six years.
“We are very fortunate to only have to look down the hall for the obvious next head coach for Tiger basketball,” Wallace said. “I am sold on Nick Woodruff and have been since the first time I met him. He and Coach Sharpe put together a program we are all proud of and we shouldn’t miss a beat as we move forward.”
Taking the reins of the UWA program will be the first head coaching job for Woodruff, but Wallace is convinced he is ready after playing a big part in school records for overall and GSC wins in a season, as well as the first NCAA Division II Tournament berth since 1982.
“I am humbled, excited, and thankful for the opportunity to become the head men’s basketball coach at the University of West Alabama,” Woodruff said. “I want to thank President Dr. Tucker and Athletic Director Bobby Wallace for believing in me and affording me this opportunity.
“I understand the expectations and standards that have been established for the men’s basketball program and am proud to be the next head coach,” Woodruff said. “I am extremely grateful to Allen Sharpe for his guidance, friendship, and being a mentor throughout my coaching career.”
Woodruff graduated Cum Laude in Business from Muskingum (Ohio) College in 2009 where he lettered four seasons on the men’s basketball team. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock in 2011.
A native of Oxford, Ohio, Woodruff and his wife, Kristen, now reside in Livingston with their son, Steven (5) and daughter Sloane (2).
Woodruff promoted to Head Basketball Coach at West Alabama
