Frank Woodford gets promoted to AD at Benedictine University-Mesa
MESA, Ariz. (BVM) — Frank Woodford has recently been promoted to director of athletics at Benedictine University’s Mesa campus for the 2021-2022 school year. This will be Woodford’s fifth year working with the university. Woodford started off as a head assistant coach for the men’s basketball team for three years. This will be his second year working as head coach for the Redhawks. He will oversee 11 intercollegiate programs and over 300 students.
Woodford started his sports journey at Northern Arizona University. He worked as a graduate assistant men’s basketball coach. There he helped with the recruiting process for D1 athletes and student-athlete academic success. During his final season with the Lumberjacks, the team earned a school record by winning 23 games. The team also made it to the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) championship game that year.
Next, Woodford moved to Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) where he worked as the assistant men’s basketball coach. Woodford’s work with his athletes shows his passion to help them. While working at CGCC, Woodford managed to place 13 players at four-year institutions within two years.
Throughout his career, Woodford has always worked closely in the sports industry with jobs at Krossover Sports Technology, the NBA Summer League and Synergy Sports Technology.
Eventually, Woodford managed to land himself at Benedictine University-Mesa. Woodford started his journey at the university as the head assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. As assistant coach, Woodford was the NAIA compliance officer for the Redhawks’ 11 athletic programs. An NAIA officer ensures that the university’s athletic programs follow guidelines and look after other administrative paperwork.
Woodford oversaw the Redhawks’ best season of all-time for men’s basketball in 2018-2019 where they achieved 18 wins. Additionally, Woodford was able to guide nine All-Cal Pac players that season. The California Pacific Conference is a league in the NAIA consisting of 15 championships — eight in women’s sports and seven in men’s sports. Woodford’s dedication to his athletes has become evident since he became head coach.
During his fourth year with Benedictine-Mesa, Woodford was promoted to lead the basketball program. His passion for his athletes and the sport shined through his work.
After working as the NAIA compliance officer for two years, Woodford was promoted during the 2020-2021 season, as he was labeled the interim director of athletics. For that same season, four teams won a California Pacific Conference championship (women’s basketball, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball and men’s volleyball). The Redhawks also advanced to the NAIA tournament for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. Additionally, baseball earned their first trip to the tournament.
Woodford looks to support his students in any way that he can. While at BenU-Mesa, Woodford has also taken over as sports club director. His job includes overseeing the beginnings of competitive clubs and organizations at the university.
It is clear that Woodford has a vision for the athletic department at BenU-Mesa. He has already managed to create an impact on not just the teams but individual athletes. This promotion to director of athletics is just what he needs to continue to create meaningful changes to the athletic department and change athletes’ lives.
The current Benedictine University-Mesa athletic season has already begun with women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer where soccer teams have won their most recent games.
