Get to Know: Head Athletic Trainer James Wood

ATHENS, W.Va. – With so many new faces around the Carter Center for the 2025-26 school year, the Concord Sports Information Department will be highlighting all full-time employees in a Get to Know series throughout the first few weeks of the new athletic year.

Whether those friendly faces have been in Athens for five days or five decades, you'll know more about everyone in the Concord Athletic Department.

Name: James Wood  
Position: Head Athletic Trainer  
College Alma Mater: Concord University (Bachelor's), Lamar (Master's) 
Year(s) at Concord:  4
 
How did you land at Concord? 
I was a student at Concord from 2015-2019 and I made my way back here in 2022 
 
Tell us a little bit about where you're from? 
I grew up in a military family and have moved around my whole life. I don't have one place I call home 
 
What's been your most rewarding experience as an athlete or coach? 
Watching the student athletes grow from kids to adults throughout their time here. Whether that is battling through a recovery from a major injury or just learning how to handle all the stressors of being a student athlete. 
 
Outside of family, who's had the biggest positive influence on your life? 
Mike Goforth, former Head Athletic Trainer at Virginia Tech. He took me under his wing after I graduated from grad school and taught me way more than just how to be a good athletic trainer.  
 
What makes Concord such a special place? 
You really feel like you are part of the family from the second you get on campus. Everyone is friendly and will support you. This place will give you friends for life.
 
Favorite vacation spot? 
Northern Michigan, specifically Douglas Lake 
 
Go-to junk food? 
Buffalo Wing Cheez-It's
 
What advice would you give today's college student that you found the most valuable? 
Learn time management skills that work for you and implement them early. The more prepared you are the better your college experience will be and the more time you will have to enjoy it! 
 
What's one bucket list item that you have crossed off and are most proud of? 
I would have to say completing an Ultra Marathon. I completed a 50k this past May called the Highball to Thurmond.