Amanda Wood Exits James Clemens For Hoover- Volleyball Coach Built Jet’s Program

MADISON- The proposal and answer came quickly. When Hoover High reached out to Amanda Wood about the possibility of taking the position as head volleyball coach at the Birmingham school, Wood had several conversations over a six-day period before she decided to accept the new job and did so with emotions of excitement and sadness.

“This was a tough decision as I love my players and this Madison community,” said Wood, after 10 seasons as head volleyball coach at James Clemens. “We built the program here at James Clemens and I’m so grateful as James Clemens took a chance on me in my first head coaching position.”

Not only was her current position a first for Wood, but the job was the school’s first year in existence in 2012 and she helped build the volleyball program from the ground up. In her 10 seasons with the Jets, Wood compiled a 254-202 record with five regional playoff appearances. She played high school volleyball at nearby Muscle Shoals where her team won a state championship and then attended UAH.

Joining James Clemens just two weeks prior to the team’s first game, Wood stepped onto the court at the newly constructed gymnasium, blew her whistle and put the action into a motion that included winning their first 10 games of the season.

“Some of the best moments for me here at James Clemens were when past players contacted me and told me what they learned with our volleyball program they have used in life,” said Wood. “When those players told me those situations it sort of relit the fire in my passion to coach.”

Wood, 34, is looking forward to her new endeavor along with her husband, Lee and their two-year old son.

Wood replaces Chris Camper, who retired after 10 seasons at Hoover.