Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

Cal Poly Humboldt announced on Friday that longtime head coach Kelly Wood has ended her tenure with the program.

Wood recently completed her eighth season in charge of the team and is the program’s fourth all-time winningest head coach with 54 victories. 

“We are thankful for Kelly’s many years of service to Cal Poly Humboldt and to Lumberjack Athletics,” Cal Poly Humboldt’s Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Campus Recreation Cooper Jones said. “Her leadership, commitment, and hard work on behalf of our talented student-athletes has made a tangible impact on our women’s volleyball program.”

Prior to joining the Lumberjacks, Wood served as head coach at Santa Rosa Junior College for 10 years, guiding the Bear Cubs to seven appearances in the California Community College State Championships.

Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics – Kelly Wood

Her teams appeared in six consecutive CCCSA tournaments and won four Big Eight Conference titles in five years, earning her recognition as Conference Coach of the Year Honors three times and Regional Coach of the Year honors twice.

“We will certainly miss Kelly’s positive attitude, infectious spirit, and friendly demeanor,” Jones said. “Our volleyball program is in a better place because of Kelly’s longstanding commitment to her team’s academic and social growth.”

Wood, who graduated from South Fork High, played volleyball and basketball at Santa Rosa JC from 1992-94. 

She transferred to Sonoma State University for her final two collegiate volleyball seasons, earning all-conference and all-region honors while leading the Seawolves to the Northern California Athletic Conference Championship.

Wood is the niece of legendary former Humboldt men’s basketball head coach Tom Wood, who holds the Lumberjack basketball record for most career wins.

The Jacks will begin a national search for a new head coach.