Meet Our Athletic Director: Chenel Harris
Director of Athletics and Student Recruitment
Coach Chenel Harris brings to Woodward a career spent building winning programs, developing student-athletes, and forming lasting relationships with families. She leads our athletic program and our student recruitment efforts, helping more young women discover what makes Woodward such a special place to learn, grow, and compete.
A Proven Program Builder
Before Woodward, Coach Harris spent seven years as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Colby College, where she oversaw every aspect of an NCAA Division III program, including recruiting, budget, staff leadership, operations, fundraising, and alumnae engagement.
Under her leadership, the Colby Mules:
Before Colby, she held coaching and recruiting roles at St. Francis College, Binghamton University, the University of Arkansas, Stony Brook University, and Robert Morris University.
Her Role at Woodward
Coach Harris oversees Woodward athletics, including our no-cut policy, which welcomes every student to play regardless of experience. She also leads our student recruitment efforts, partnering with families as they explore Woodward.
She succeeded Bob Giordano, who retired after 30 years as Woodward's Athletic Director.
In Her Words
Interested in Woodward athletics or want to learn more about joining our community? Contact Coach Harris at charris@thewoodwardschool.org.
Coach Chenel Harris brings to Woodward a career spent building winning programs, developing student-athletes, and forming lasting relationships with families. She leads our athletic program and our student recruitment efforts, helping more young women discover what makes Woodward such a special place to learn, grow, and compete.
A Proven Program Builder
Before Woodward, Coach Harris spent seven years as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Colby College, where she oversaw every aspect of an NCAA Division III program, including recruiting, budget, staff leadership, operations, fundraising, and alumnae engagement.
Under her leadership, the Colby Mules:
- Earned three NESCAC Tournament appearances in five seasons
- Finished as NESCAC runner-up in 2025, the program's highest conference finish ever
- Held a national Top 25 ranking for five consecutive weeks during the 2025–26 season
Before Colby, she held coaching and recruiting roles at St. Francis College, Binghamton University, the University of Arkansas, Stony Brook University, and Robert Morris University.
Her Role at Woodward
Coach Harris oversees Woodward athletics, including our no-cut policy, which welcomes every student to play regardless of experience. She also leads our student recruitment efforts, partnering with families as they explore Woodward.
She succeeded Bob Giordano, who retired after 30 years as Woodward's Athletic Director.
In Her Words
"From my first conversations with the Woodward community, it was clear that this is a school deeply committed to empowering young women to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose. I look forward to building an athletic program that inspires excellence, fosters belonging, and complements the exceptional educational experience Woodward provides. I am equally excited to partner with families as they discover all that makes Woodward such a special place for their daughters to learn, grow, and thrive."
— Chenel Harris
— Chenel Harris
"Chenel brings a rare combination of athletic leadership, recruiting expertise, and genuine care for young people. Her track record of building programs, developing student-athletes, and forming lasting relationships with families makes her exactly the right person to lead this dual role as we continue to grow our athletics program and our school community."
— Alex Magay, Head of School
Get in Touch— Alex Magay, Head of School
Interested in Woodward athletics or want to learn more about joining our community? Contact Coach Harris at charris@thewoodwardschool.org.
PROSPECTIVE
ATHLETES
We would love to hear from you about your interest in playing at Woodward!
ATHLETES
We would love to hear from you about your interest in playing at Woodward!