Coach DeAndra’e Woods leaves Chapman to rejoin Concordia track and field program

DeAndra’e Woods (right) and Barron Maizland have coached the Chapman University track and field and cross country teams. (Photo courtesy Larry Newman Photography)

Chapman University track and field and cross country head coach DeAndra’e Woods announced he is leaving his position to rejoin the staff at Concordia University in Irvine, Chapman athletic officials announced this week.

Woods has led the Panthers’ programs since the fall of 2017. He will return to Concordia to coach the Eagles’ sprints, hurdles and relays in addition to assisting with recruiting and fundraising.

Assistant coach Barron Maizland will take over as the interim head coach at Chapman for the spring 2021 season. Maizland is in his third year at Chapman after joining the program in 2018. In his two-plus years, Maizland has worked primarily with the cross country program and distance runners while also assisting with recruiting for both programs.

“We would like to thank Coach Woods for his fierce commitment to the betterment of our student-athletes and our department,” said Chapman Director of Athletics Terry Boesel. “His impact was shown in both cross country and track and field with incredible improvements both athletically, academically and beyond. We wish him luck as he moves forward in his career.”

“My three and a half years at Chapman University have been an amazing experience,” Woods said. “Words can’t describe how grateful I am to President Daniele Struppa, Director of Athletics Terry Boesel, Associate Athletic Director Doug Aiken and every individual that placed their trust in me to lead the track and field and cross country programs during my time on campus.

“I would like to thank Coach Boesel and the administration for this opportunity to grow as a coach, which has contributed to me being presented this new opportunity at Concordia University Irvine. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this university, athletic department and most importantly these student-athletes.”

During the last three and a half years, the Panthers have seen improvements in all four programs both athletically and academically. Woods has also increased fundraising efforts, increased roster sizes and took over the role of advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Athletically, the Panthers saw a number of program firsts during Woods’ tenure. Arabella Reece became the first female runner to qualify for the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships in 2018. Maija Girardi became the first All-SCIAC thrower at Chapman in 2019.

In the same year, the Panthers put their first relay team on the podium at the SCIAC Championships when the 4x400m relay team ended the meet with a thrilling second-place finish.

Along with individual success came team success. The Panthers track and field teams both accumulated their highest point totals at the SCIAC championships in school history last season. Both cross country teams also matched or exceeded their best finishes at the SCIAC Championships during Woods’ tenure.

In the classroom, Woods leaves four of the top programs at Chapman in terms of GPA. The cross country swept the Team GPA awards to end the 2019-20 season while all four programs have been recognized as USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams.

Chapman University and SCIAC officials are still closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to announce schedules for any spring sports.

—Courtesy Steven Olveda, Sports Information Director