Indiana Wesleyan Women’s Basketball head coach Ethan Whaley has announced the hiring of Abby Schultz and Wesley Woodard to the Women’s Basketball staff.
“I am so excited about our staff,” said Whaley. “Both women bring a high level of excitement and energy that will undoubtedly permeate through our program. Their humility and desire to invest in our players couldn’t be stronger. I can’t wait to watch our staff, players, managers, and recruits grow on and off the floor because of the impact Abby and Wes have.”
Schultz joins the program from Dordt University (NAIA), where she served as the women’s basketball assistant coach since January of 2017. Schultz helped the Defenders to back-to-back 20+ win seasons, while also earning the programs first NAIA National Championship Tournament bid in 2019. The Defenders finished the 2019-2020 season ranked 12th in the 2019-20 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, claiming as high as fifth during the season.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the coaching staff at IWU!” said Schultz. “Throughout my coaching experiences, I have felt called to serve and disciple college-aged athletes for Christ both on and off the court. These college years are influential in developing young Christian women, and I’m looking forward to walking alongside of them on this journey! This program has a strong history and I can’t wait to get started with the players, coaching staff, and Wildcat family!”
Woodard comes to IWU after a four-year playing career at Greenville University (NCAA DIII) in Greenville, Illinois. She served on the leadership team for two seasons, and was the co-captain during her senior season. Woodard earned Academic All-Conference, 1st All-Conference, and 3rd Team NCCAA All-American awards during her time while eclipsing the 1,000 point mark.
“I feel honored to be joining the IWU Women’s Basketball program as a member of Coach Whaley’s staff,” said Woodard. “What excites me most is the JUICE that coaches and players bring to everything they do on and off the court. I look forward to learning more about the field of coaching from Coach Whaley, who is a successful head coach, but also working with and getting to know the players individually. This program uses basketball as an avenue to connect young women live out the gospel, and encourage one another toward growth in Christ. I love that as coaches we choose to care about our players as more than athletes and desire to create a family atmosphere with them. I am thrilled and thankful to be joining Coach Whaley and Coach Schultz this year at IWU.”
Schultz will assume the assistant coaching duties left vacant by the departure of Brent Bellinger, while Woodard will serve as the programs graduate assistant left vacant by the departure of Janae Gibson.
