University of North Carolina Athletics
Robert Woodard Named Head Coach Of 49ers
July 1, 2019 | Baseball
"It is an incredible honor to be named the fifth head baseball coach of the Charlotte baseball program. The moment Mike Hill reached out with he and his staff's decision, is a moment I will never forget," said Woodard. "Charlotte is home for me. It's where I grew up and my parents still reside. The opportunity to lead my hometown city's college baseball program is truly special. But, this opportunity would not be possible without all of my former players from along the journey. It would also not be possible without the belief and mentorship of Coach Fox, Scott Forbes and Jesse Wierzbicki at UNC. They are three of my closest friends both in and outside the game and are people I am very thankful to have in my life. To all the players, coaches, and support staff that I have worked with throughout my career, thank you. I have learned so much from so many people and you all a big part of this journey with me. I will also be reaching out individually to the many others throughout the game that have enabled me in this very special opportunity. I cannot wait to get my feet back on the ground in the Queen City, meet the team and assemble our staff. We are going to bring a brand of baseball to the city of Charlotte that our former players, alumni and fan base will all be proud of."
The all-time winningest pitcher in program history, Woodard posted a career record of 34-5 over four seasons as a Tar Heel and was a three-time All-ACC performer and the 2006-07 recipient of the Patterson Medal, Carolina's highest athletic honor. Following his professional playing career in the San Diego Padres system, Woodard spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons as an assistant at UNC before serving as the pitching coach at UNCW in 2013 and at Virginia Tech from 2014-16."I knew when Robert was pitching for us that he would one day be a great coach. He was not only one of the best pitchers we have ever had at UNC but one of the smartest," said head coach Mike Fox. "He studied the game on a daily basis. He is passionate about the game but, more importantly, about the players and staff. He is a great person who knows the true meaning of being a coach. Woody helped our program tremendously these last three years in many ways and I will always be grateful for that. He told everyone when he arrived here we were going to Omaha. He willed us there and the program has not been the same since. I owe him big time for that alone. I am very happy for him and know he will do great things at Charlotte."
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