Real Woods, the accomplished American wrestler, was raised in a family where sacrifice and determination were core values. His father, Ray Woods, played a pivotal role in his athletic journey.
Real had to give up four years with his family in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a chance to wrestle against elite competition.
Highlights
- Ray Wood is a longtime football coach, and he initially thought his son might follow in his footsteps.
- His guidance steered Real toward Stanford, shaping his future in wrestling and education.
- Jennifer Woods’ love and encouragement kept Real going, even when he struggled with homesickness.
Real Woods is renowned for his dominance in American Wrestling. He made his mark at Montini Catholic High School in Illinois before committing to Stanford University.
After earning his degree, he transferred to the University of Iowa to continue his wrestling career. He is a five-time NCAA qualifier and four-time All-American.
Moreover, he was the 2023 NCAA runner-up and 2024 fourth-place finisher at 141 lbs.
Real is admired for his grit and sacrifice. He began wrestling at the age of six when his father’s friend, a wrestling coach whom he calls his uncle, introduced him to the sport.
He has spoken openly about the personal challenges he faced, including Stanford’s near cancellation of its wrestling program.
There is no word that could explain really what it felt like. It was something I had never experienced before. It was almost like losing someone close to you, someone you love.
Real Woods
Real Woods’ Parents Are The Supportive Force Behind
Real Marshall Ray Woods, the son of Raymond and Jennifer Woods, was born on December 9, 1999, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His parents raised him alongside his four siblings, Felicity, Aliyah, Blest, and True.
Raymond and Jennifer Woods instilled in all their kids the values of hard work, discipline, and ambition.
They knew Real was destined for greatness from the moment he first stepped onto the mat. Their oldest displayed a rare drive from an early age that set him apart.
Ray, a longtime football coach, initially thought his son might follow in his footsteps. Real had declared he was interested in playing in the NFL at just 5.
His dedication was undeniable, and Ray taught him the fundamentals of playing cornerback, including how to backpedal.
Later, Ray found him practicing the technique alone while other kids played tag. His relentless work ethic quickly translated to wrestling.
Real was nicknamed “Bamm Bamm” for his explosive strength and competitive fire, and dominated youth tournaments.
Wrestling ran in the Woods family. Ray’s cousin, Clayton Grice, was a Pennsylvania state champion and two-time ACC title winner at N.C. State. Clayton’s son was a four-time Nebraska state champ.
Afterward, Ray helped establish New Mexico Beast Wrestling, determined to give his son every opportunity to succeed. They traveled nationwide, seeking out the toughest competition.
In 2010, Ray took Real to the prestigious Ohio Tournament of Champions, where he placed second. As a reward, Ray let him pick out a college sweater from a vendor.
Real had pointed to the Missouri sweater, but Ray told him, “They’re pretty good at wrestling, but their education isn’t the highest level.”
Afterwards, Real pointed to the Stanford sweater.
Now that’s where people go to change their lives. If you graduate from Stanford, you’re going to be all right.
Raymond Woods
Real Woods’ Story Of Determination And A Dream
Real Wood’s journey to becoming a Stanford wrestling standout is a result of his sacrifice, resilience, and unrelenting drive to succeed.
His story is one of unwavering determination, and since childhood, he has always had something to prove.
His father recalls Real as being like a remote control, instantly responsive and always ready to tackle whatever challenge came his way.
His father coached college football, and he would shadow the players, trying to match their workouts despite being just seven or eight years old.
He was a hard worker and always had been a competitive sportsman.
Real faced a life-changing decision, leaving his family to train under elite wrestling coach Israel Martinez in Chicago. Israel pushed him to new heights, and soon, Stanford Wrestling became the ultimate goal.
Real’s parents were happy when the wrestling coach discussed that Real could be joining Stanford.
However, the transition wasn’t easy. Real missed his family deeply, especially when he heard his mother cry over the phone.
There were moments when he nearly quit, wrestling with doubts beyond the mat. But through the struggle, he found his love for the sport again.
I’m a mama’s boy, I love my mom so much, and I always wanted to make my dad proud in anything I did. When that second year hit, I couldn’t be there for them, I couldn’t be there for my little brothers. I wasn’t able to be there like I wanted to be there as a big brother. I would hear my mom cry over the phone that I was gone for so long and it just all started becoming a little overwhelming
Real Woods
Additional Information
- Real Woods earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stanford University.
- He is in a relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Bitty.
- He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 141 lbs.
