About Woods Recruiting: Empowering Student-Athlete Dreams Since 1989
Woods Recruiting is a professional college recruiting service built on one mission: helping high school student-athletes in all sports football, baseball, softball, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, and beyond get recruited and placed in college.
We provide maximum exposure, promote achievements, and market talents to a trusted network of college programs across the country.
This is a paid service, and we’re always transparent about our process, our goals, and our dedication to the athletes and families we serve.
Our Journey: Where It All Began
Woods Recruiting was founded in August 1989 with its original focus on basketball student-athletes.
Over time, we expanded into multiple sports, recognizing that athletes across football, baseball, softball, and basketball all share the same challenge: lack of exposure!!!
Our founder and president, Al Woods, brings decades of personal and professional experience to this work.
Growing up in Virginia Beach, Al learned the game of basketball the hard way, on outdoor courts under the hot summer sun.
That journey led him to play at West Virginia State College in 1983, then on to a professional basketball career in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The experience opened his eyes to how many athletes regardless of sport were slipping through the cracks because no one was advocating for them. That realization fueled the creation of Woods Recruiting: a service built on integrity, experience, and proven results.
What Makes Woods Recruiting Different?
- Experience You Can Trust: Over three decades in recruiting.
- Multi-Sport Expertise: We work with football, baseball, softball, and basketball athletes.
- Thousands of Athletes Placed: Our results speak for themselves.
- Personalized Guidance: Every athlete receives tailored recruiting strategies.
- Strong College Network: Trusted relationships with programs at every level.
The Realities Of The Recruiting Process
Recruiting is complex shady advice, missed opportunities, changing rules, and increasing competition make it a puzzle.
At Woods Recruiting, we simplify the process for student-athletes and their families.
We’ve lived it. Our background as former athletes means we understand:
- The pressures of being recruited
- The demands of practices, travel, and competition
- The communication skills needed with coaches
- The discipline required to succeed in college sports
It’s about more than talent. Success requires preparation, support, focus, and accountability.
Our Mission: Exposure + Opportunity = Success
“You only get one chance to go from high school athlete to college athlete. Do everything in your power to make it happen.”
We believe exposure is everything. Coaches can’t recruit athletes they don’t know about. That’s why we focus on:
- Detailed scouting reports
- Online athlete profiles
- Game breakdowns
- Direct communication with college coaches
- Honest evaluations college coaches can trust
Every action we take is designed to maximize visibility across all sports.
Proven Track Record
Since 1989, Woods Recruiting has placed thousands of student-athletes into college through scholarships or financial aid. In some cases, our strong connections and outreach have secured placement in as little as 24 hours.
This isn’t luck—it’s about:
- Relationships with coaches who trust our evaluations
- Consistency in delivering quality reports
- Commitment to finding the right fit for each athlete
We value more than stats. Grades, character, work ethic, and coachability are just as important.
Growth And Development
From 1989 to 1995, Woods Recruiting operated without fees, building credibility and trust. By 1996, demand was so strong that Al Woods left two full-time jobs to pursue the business full-time.
Our reach expanded across the U.S., and between 2013–2017, we trained and managed 26 scouts across multiple sports.
We’ve even trained scouts for other recruiting services, spreading our expertise to help more athletes nationwide.
After a brief pause in 2017, Al returned in 2024, more focused than ever.
Since then, we’ve published over 1,800 scouting reports and continue to grow.
Looking Ahead in 2025 and Beyond
The recruiting landscape is evolving.
With the transfer portal and longer college careers, high school athletes face tougher competition for roster spots.
Woods Recruiting stays ahead of the curve, ensuring athletes in football, baseball, softball, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball and all sports have the tools to stand out.
We know every level matters: NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and junior college.
What matters most isn’t the division it’s getting the chance to play, earn a degree, and secure a future.
At Woods Recruiting, that’s our ultimate mission.
Final Thoughts
Sports aren’t just games, they’re pathways to education, growth, and opportunity.
At Woods Recruiting, we make sure talented, hard-working athletes across every sport don’t get overlooked.
We shine a light on your abilities.
We build your presence online.
We connect you to the right programs.
We guide your family every step of the way.
Let us help you reach your dream.
Woods Recruiting: Where passion meets purpose, and sports change lives.