Paul Woody, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus, recently received a prestigious honor as one of the nine inductees into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Woody, who had a successful career as a sports columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, reflected on his journey from student journalist to Hall of Famer.
Woody’s passion for sports writing was ignited during his time at VCU, where he served as sports editor and later executive editor for The Commonwealth Times. His dedication and hard work paid off as he went on to have a prolific career in journalism, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way.
Throughout his 40-year career, Woody covered a wide range of sporting events, from local high school games to 24 Super Bowls. He highlighted memorable moments like VCU’s run to the Final Four in the 2011 NCAA basketball tournament and the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007.
Despite the evolving landscape of journalism, Woody emphasized the importance of persistence and initiative in pursuing a career in the field. He shared advice for aspiring journalists, encouraging them to put in the hard work and seek opportunities to report and write.
Woody’s induction into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame serves as a testament to his dedication and passion for sports journalism. Reflecting on his journey from a student at VCU to a Hall of Famer, Woody expressed gratitude for the opportunities and support he received during his time at the university.
As Woody continues to inspire the next generation of journalists, his legacy in the world of sports writing remains a shining example of hard work, dedication, and a love for the game.