Head Coach, Warren Wilson College Men’s Lacrosse Team
Jeffrey Woodside, the dedicated and accomplished head coach of the Warren Wilson College Men’s Lacrosse Team, has been instrumental in building the program from scratch over the past three years. Woodside has made significant strides in developing and leading lacrosse programs at various levels. With a career spanning high school, collegiate, and semi-professional lacrosse, Woodside's extensive experience and strategic approach have consistently brought success to his teams.
Early Career and Background
Before joining Warren Wilson College, Coach Woodside brought his expertise to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) as an assistant coach. Over two seasons, he focused on the offensive side of the ball, goalies, and specialty positions. His efforts culminated in the team securing its first win in program history. Notably, Woodside led the goalie to a 72.7% save percentage and an overall clear percentage of 84.6% during a COVID-shortened season.
Prior to his tenure at MCLA, Woodside spent four seasons at Saint Louis University. He started as the offensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017, coaching an offense that significantly improved, including a notable victory over a cross-town rival for the first time in nine years. Promoted to head coach in 2018, he led the team to a .500 record in his first season, demonstrating his ability to inspire and develop competitive teams.
Box Lacrosse and Semi-Professional Experience
Woodside's coaching repertoire also includes experience in box lacrosse. He served as a coach for the Albany Hyenas, where he led the team to a 6-4 regular season record and an Empire Cup Championship in their inaugural season. Additionally, he was an assistant coach for the River City Blue Cats, a senior men's semi-professional box lacrosse team in the IBLA, overseeing the offense and mentoring new players. His coaching journey also included a stint with the Saint Louis Centurions, where he played as a forward in their inaugural season before transitioning to an assistant coach role.
High School Coaching and Player Development
Woodside has made significant contributions to high school lacrosse in the Saint Louis area. He helped develop emerging programs at Francis Howell in 2018 and led Parkway South as head coach from 2015 to 2016. His leadership resulted in improved records each season despite tougher schedules. Beginning his St. Louis coaching career with Fort Zumwalt’s Club lacrosse team, he implemented successful offensive schemes and led the team to consistent playoff berths. Throughout his high school coaching career, Woodside facilitated numerous players receiving offers to continue their lacrosse careers at various collegiate levels.
Building the Warren Wilson Program
At Warren Wilson College, Woodside has approached building the program with strategic vision and relentless dedication. In the first year, he focused on recruiting talented and committed players. Despite the challenges of starting from scratch, the team showed remarkable progress, demonstrating a strong work ethic and competitive spirit.
By the end of his third year, Woodside’s leadership has led to significant achievements. The team competes robustly in every game played, earning respect for their tenacity and sportsmanship. Under his guidance, several players have received individual accolades, and the team has seen a steady improvement in their performance.
Community Involvement and Future Goals
Woodside is deeply committed to the Warren Wilson College community. He works with Empire Lacrosse in the summer at their Speed Lax events, fostering a love for the sport and encouraging the next generation of players. He emphasizes academic success, ensuring his players excel in their studies and are prepared for future success.
Looking ahead, Woodside has ambitious goals for the Warren Wilson College Lacrosse Team. He aims to continue building a program that competes at the highest levels and serves as a model for integrity, hard work, and excellence. With his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, the future of Warren Wilson College lacrosse is exceedingly bright.
Personal Life
Outside of coaching, Coach Woodside enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the scenic beauty of North Carolina, and staying active through various sports. He is an avid reader of sports psychology, management literature, and comic books; constantly seeking new ways to inspire and lead his team to greater heights.
