Fast Break: Kenny Woodard’s ‘24/8 Elite Basketball Academy’ is quickly expanding
May 3, 2023
24/8 Elite Basketball Academy (24/8) was started in January 2023 by Kenny Woodard, a Terra Linda High School alumni and former overseas player for Mexico and Puerto Rico.
“[Whenever I came home from playing overseas] I would work kids out and train them. I didn’t think about doing it as a full-time job yet,” said Woodard.
Woodard’s personalized training inspired the foundation of 24/8. Woodard wanted to teach kids how to apply the drills and training he was giving them in games rather than just giving them drills.
“I gave them all these drills, then they go play [separately] and I don’t know if they’re applying [the skills]. My approach with [starting my own] club teams was to help them with in-game IQ and surround them with great coaches,” Woodard said.
During his transition from playing overseas to starting his own business, Woodard had to learn how to run his own company. He connected with good mentors and sought advice from experienced entrepreneurs.
“[It was difficult] because I didn’t know anything about the business side. I could give kids drills, but the other parts – registration, flyers and running a business – are new. I’m like a sponge, I’m absorbing [new information] and learning from different people,” Woodard said.
Woodard aquired help from current co-CEO of 24/8, Corey Spears, whom Woodard met in his teenage years. Spears has helped Woodard through his journey starting 24/8 and currently coaches and trains youth at the academy alongside Woodard.
“[Woodard] started this whole program. He’s so passionate about basketball, giving back and [giving] others the opportunities that others gave him [as well as] opportunities that he didn’t have growing up,” said Spears.
An important aspect of 24/8 that separates it from other basketball programs in Marin is Woodard’s approach to coaching and passion for helping kids improve their basketball skills.
“We’re gonna go the entire [practice] at an intense, fast pace. I’m not gonna let you give up, I’m not gonna let you put your head down. We’re going to push and get better,” Woodard said.
Freshman Kitty White plays for the Redwood Girls’ varsity basketball team and practices with Woodard and Spears on the weekends. She does many drills with them and enjoys the community that Woodard has developed.
“I’m definitely improving by [training with Woodard]. In my practices for my club team, I do a lot of team training. At 24/8 you work on a lot of individual skills [which is] really helpful for when you’re on the court and playing [individually],” Kitty said.
Not only does Woodard focus on athleticism and technique but he also connects with his players and teaches them how to build confidence. He has conversations with each of his athletes and wants to know about each of their lives.
Tessa White has two kids who train with 24/8, including Kitty, and she appreciates the positivity that Woodard and Spears bring to their training.
“The team and coaches at 24/8 [are] incredibly personal. They both seem to know all the kids’ names [and] know what they can do. They’re very passionate about the development of the sport,” Tessa said.
Looking forward Woodard wants to continue to improve 24/8 and provide training and opportunities to athletes of all different backgrounds.
“We’re only three months in and how much [24/8 has] grown [so far] says a whole lot. I’m excited and looking forward to where it’s going to be six months or a year from now. I have a lot of plans and big goals that I’m excited to see happen. It’s just the beginning,” said Woodard.
