Sarah-Emily Woodward is entering her first year as an Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field coach for the University of Charleston and her seventh year of coaching overall. Woodward will be working with the middle distance and distance group primarily.
Prior to The University of Charleston, Woodward coached at Lake Erie College serving as the Associate Head Coach from July 2022 till May 2025. Throughout her time at Lake Erie College the distance program earned 15 school records. She led the women’s cross country team to their highest team finish in school history at the G-MAC Championship. While at Lake Erie College, she coached Harry Ross-Hughes to a national title in the 800M at the 2025 NCAA Indoor National Championship. Throughout her time coaching Ross-Hughes earned 4 All-American Honors, G-MAC Athlete of the Year, and G-MAC Freshman of the Year. During this time, Ross-Hughes also earned the G-MAC Conference Record in the 800M for indoor and outdoor.
Prior to Lake Erie College, Woodward was an Assistant Coach at Austin Peay State University from July 2019 till June 2022. While on staff at Austin Peay State University, the team won the 2020 OVC Indoor Track & Field Championship. She also coached Mikaela Smith who garnered multiple conference podium finishes in the 800M. During her time, the women’s Distance Medley Record was taken down at the 2022 Indoor OVC Championship.
Woodward began her coaching career as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Cameron University from August 2018 to June 2019. She was named the first female coach in program history as well as coaching the university's first ever women’s cross country and track & field program.
Woodward graduated from Austin Peay State University in 2018. While competing for the Governors she competed at multiple OVC championships. She also served as an executive board member for SAAC. She is a double alum of Austin Peay State University with an undergraduate degree in business management and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
