On Friday, LaFayette High School honored legendary coach John T.. Woody during halftime of the LaFayette/ Valley Girls Basketball game.
A sold-out court stood in ovation for the 2023 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
The longtime boys’ basketball coach at LaFayette High School. Woody, was born and raised in Chambers County and Lanier High School of Lanett graduated in 1969 and Jacksonville State University in 1977 where he also earned a master’s at Auburn.
Following an outstanding high school and collegiate career, he began teaching at Lafayette High School in 1975 – where he remained until his retirement in 2011. He served as head softball coach from 1975-1985 and was an assistant girls’ basketball coach, boys’ JV basketball coach, and varsity assistant coach during that period.
In 1987, he became head boys’ basketball coach – beginning a legendary run that included 14 area titles, five Elite 8 or regional appearances, three trips to the Final Four state tourney, and two state titles (1989 and 2002) – and one as an assistant (1986).
After his retirement, the court at LaFayette High School was named John T. Woody Court in his honor.
The quiet and calm coach was a strong disciplinarian who consistently earned a reputation for putting life lessons ahead of winning at all costs and compiled a 435-234 record in his basketball head-coaching career.
He directed the LaFayette girls to their first region title, and he guided the LaFayette JV team to a 147-25 record over nine seasons with three undefeated teams and a 53-game JV winning streak. He was twice named the Class 3A State Coach of the Year and the overall State Coach of the Year in 2002.