Joe Gaiter: What does basketball mean to you?
Shannon Woody: All my life I’ve played basketball so it obviously plays a very big part in my life. I’m blessed to be able to continue to play at the next level its dream come true.
Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Shannon Woody: I grew up in Alexander City, Alabama it’s a small not too far from Auburn, AL. Growing up I played basketball that’s what everyone knew me for. However I didn’t grow up on the other side of the tracks so I didn’t fit in with other the kids in some areas, but basketball was an area tended to standout in. Growing up I was the youngest sibling of 3. Every one was older and bigger than me including my brothers and cousins. So when we’d play I’d have to find ways to get off shot attempts, so that made me very creative. As child I hated to losing to the point that if I didn’t win I would literally cry rather it’s the championship or whether it’s musical chairs I wanted to WIN! I’m still very competitive I ditched the crying part though.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Benjamin Russell High School?
Shannon Woody: There are so many memories at that place. My most fondest memory of all time is definitely the game winners I made.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about hitting that epic buzzer beater against Wetumpka to give the Wildcats the Class 6A Area 6 Boys Basketball Championship.
Shannon Woody: That was a crazy experience, to walk you through what happened though. The score was tied and Wetumpka came down and hit a midrange to put them up with just 2.4 seconds left and when I saw them go up on us with such little time I tried not to panic. Coach Hines called time out and drew up a play and it was no doubt in my mind that I was taking that shot and just so happened I got a good look at the rim let it go and the rest is history.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Lawson State?
Shannon Woody: As far as my recruitment go I didn’t have any offers about 1-2 months after the season. I had no idea what I was going to do without basketball.Coach Delvin messaged me and gave me an opportunity to play Juco Basketball at Lawson State (The best Juco in the World). I chose on signing day. A lot of people don’t know this but while I was in the signing room the coach of Alabama A&M called and offered me. I had no doubt in my mind I was still going to Lawson State. The reason I decided to choose a Juco over Division 1 is because Coach Maston chose me and I will be forever grateful for that.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?
Shannon Woody: My biggest accomplishment as an athlete is getting through these years of college tuition free. Also, being able to play after high school.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you an amazing forward?
Shannon Woody: What makes me great is the fact that I’m willing to do things that other players will not as such as run out in transition, offensive rebound, take charges, speak up when I see a problem, take ownership to my mess ups. It sounds simple but those traits have helped get me to where I am today.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation on the court?
Shannon Woody: My Motivation is someone special to me passed away my senior year of high school and I vowed to live out his dream. So that keeps me going when I feel like giving it up.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Montevallo as your next school?
Shannon Woody: Growing up I would go to Montevallo all the time because my brother attended school for Track & Field there. I loved the atmosphere and how the basketball team was ran I didn’t get the opportunity out high school or even Juco but the odds played out in my favor. Coach Delvin Maston played a major role in me being able to come to Montevallo for the next 2 years as well, being one of the assistant coaches at the University. I love playing for him it’s just a different feeling. Over the years of just going to Montevallo I built a great relationship with Coach Danny Young as well so I’m looking forward to being a part of the program.
Joe Gaiter: Montevallo was 12-17 last year. What went wrong and how will you help change that next year?
Shannon Woody: I was only at Montevallo for one semester so I’m not exactly sure what it was like the first half of the semester. However when I did arrive there were a lot of injured players that played key roles in our success. We just fell in a slump to sum it all up but you can count on big things for next season perhaps a championship ring!
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Shannon Woody: I want kids in my city and even other cities to know when they hear my name that yes he played basketball and he was good, but he also was a good man and has 2 college degrees.
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity this year?
Shannon Woody: The past year I went to a NAIA school in Tennessee. While I did appreciate the scholarship opportunity it wasn’t the right fit for me so decided part ways with the program and look for a basketball family elsewhere. I faced a lot of adversity transitioning from a HBCU JUCO to a Christian University. It was completely different.
