Built to Bounce Back The Resilient Story of Kenleigh Woods

Built to Bounce Back

The Resilient Story of Kenleigh Woods

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

When you talk about resilience, grit, and sheer love for the game, one name echoes loudly—Kenleigh Woods. This spirited athlete from a small town has made a big name for herself, not just for her skills on the basketball court but for her unbelievable journey of overcoming obstacle after obstacle, injury after injury, always coming back stronger than before. Her story isn’t just inspiring—it’s electric.

“I've been around sports my whole life, probably since I was age four!!!” Kenleigh Woods exclaimed, the excitement in her words practically leaping off the page. “It is more than just a game; it's been a passion that runs deep within my family,” declared Woods. And that passion has only grown fiercer through the years, fueled by dedication, faith, and unshakeable support from the people around her.

Her athletic journey hasn’t been smooth. In fact, it’s been anything but. Woods has stared adversity straight in the face time and time again. “I think my first injury was in middle school—I was 12 years old, and I landed on my wrist and bruised the bone.” Since then, her body has endured an almost unbelievable list of setbacks. “There has been quite a few,” she said casually, “but I've had a lot of issues with my shoulders—they pop out easily, I dislocated my kneecap, I hyperextended my leg, and then I broke my leg.”

Let that sink in multiple dislocations, a hyperextension, a broken leg, and still, here she is—signing with Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) to continue her basketball career and study to become an occupational therapist. If you’re looking for a real-life superhero, look no further.

Woods’ senior year of high school was especially tough. “I would definitely say breaking my leg was one of the most difficult things I've been through—and all that came with having two surgeries within my senior year was very devastating,” she reflected. But if there’s one thing that defines her, it’s her refusal to give up.

Through all the pain, surgeries, and long days of grueling physical therapy, Woods credits her recovery to something deeper. “Navigating injuries has been tough, but my faith in GOD, along with the unwavering support of family and friends, they kept me going.” She also gives a big shout-out to the professionals who guided her recovery. “The team at Tri State Rehab in Ironton and Caitlin Gale played a crucial role in my recovery through dedicated physical therapy,” noted Woods.

Her father, Adam Woods, gets emotional when he talks about watching his daughter’s journey back to the court. “Watching her come back from this injury (broken leg) has been amazing. Her mother (Ashley Woods) and I have watched all the hard work she has put in to get back to where she is now. From the smiles to the tears, she’s worked unbelievably hard to make it back,” explained an emotional Adam Woods.

Kenleigh was in physical therapy three days a week at Tri State Rehab, working with Dave Coburn, pushing herself through tough and often painful sessions. “There were times as a parent I couldn’t even watch it because of how grueling it was,” Adam admitted. “But she battled through it every time. They played a huge role in how fast she came back. I couldn’t be any prouder of her and how hard she’s worked.”

There’s a drive within Woods that pushes her to go beyond what’s expected. “My drive comes from recognizing the talents God blessed me with, combined with my family's constant encouragement to be the best version of myself,” shared Woods. And that drive is clear to everyone around her. “The thing that drives her to succeed is her will to please,” her father added. “Since she was young and until this day, she can’t stand to let anyone down. She truly plays for her coaches and her team.”

Despite the setbacks, Woods has remained unstoppable — being named the KABC 16th Region Player of the Year and a candidate for Kentucky’s prestigious Miss Basketball award, after such a difficult injury speaks volumes to Woods unbeatable spirt.

Woods’ journey hasn’t just been about bouncing back from injuries—it’s also been about forming lifelong friendships and cherishing the moments that sports have given her. “Over the years, it's also been a fantastic way of creating friendships and unforgettable memories both on and off the court,” she says with a smile.

Now, as she prepares to start the next chapter of her life at EKU, Woods is more reflective. “If I could go back and redo one thing, I would tell myself to live in the moment and not rush to the future and enjoy everything!!!”

One thing is for sure; Woods has big dreams: playing college basketball, becoming an occupational therapist, and continuing to live with the fire and faith that’s brought her this far. Supported by her parents Ashley and Adam Woods, and her sister Whitleigh, Woods’ story is far from over.

It’s not often you meet someone who’s had every reason to quit—but never even considered it. Woods is more than a basketball player. She’s a fighter. A believer. An inspiration.

And if her past is any indication, her future is going to be nothing short of extraordinary.