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Dirty Dozen's Wood named state coach of the year
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December 11, 2023By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE – McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Coach Kate Wood has helped set the “standard of excellence” for the Dirty Dozen volleyball team and her accomplishments have been recognized statewide.
On the heels of the Dirty Dozen’s most recent state championship, Wood was named the NFHS Coaches Association 2022-23 Alabama Girls’ Volleyball Coach of the Year. According to the NFHS, Wood was recognized for her performance this past season, lifetime community involvement, school involvement and philosophy of coaching.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to coach at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School,” Wood said. “It has been an honor to be a part of the Dirty Dozen legacy, and to be able to add to its storied tradition for the past ten years.
“Awards like this are only possible with a great staff, great players and great families. I am blessed with all three at McGill-Toolen Catholic.”
Wood has led the Dirty Dozen to four state championships. The Dirty Dozen’s state championship win over Bob Jones in November was the program’s 23rd state championship, which is second-most in the state.
However, the Dirty Dozen had not won a state title since 2005 before Wood arrived in 2014.
Wood came to McGill-Toolen after coaching at Lamar High School in Texas, her alma mater. She began her college playing career at Troy before finishing at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Along with winning the title this year, she and the Dirty Dozen won state titles in 2017, 2018 and 2022.
“The Dirty Dozen, under the direction of Coach Kate Wood the past 10 seasons, has set the standard of excellence for which the program has been known for since its inception,” McT Athletic Director Bill Griffin said.
“Under Coach Wood, the Dirty Dozen has amassed 414 victories and only 85 losses. They have finished the season in the top four on three occasions, the state runner-up on three occasions, and as state champions four times during these 10 seasons. Additionally, Coach Wood has sent 20 volleyball players to the collegiate level during this span. We are proud that she has been recognized as the 2022-23 NFHS Volleyball Coach of the Year for Alabama. We look forward to the continued success of our volleyball program under Kate's direction.”
Not only has Wood led the Dirty Dozen to on-court success, but she also been influential beyond the volleyball court according to McT Principal Michelle Haas.
“I first met Kate Wood in the spring of 2014 and in the past 10 years, I am still amazed at her determination, confidence, mental tenacity and enthusiasm for coaching. She is tireless in effort to ensure her athletes believe in themselves and in their God-given talents. She provides them with the tools necessary for their success on the court and in life.”
