Jamal Woodson, a former high school and college basketball coach whose 79‑60 record at Baldwin spanned seven seasons, has been named the new head coach of the girls basketball program at Shady Side Academy, taking over from Jonna Burke, who retired after a five‑year stretch that produced a 114‑24 record and cemented the academy’s reputation in Western Pennsylvania.
Coaching Legacy
During his tenure at Baldwin, Woodson guided the girls to a 23‑6 finish in his final season, a performance that underscored his ability to develop talent and sustain competitive play. His seven‑year overall mark reflects a steady climb in program success, a trajectory he hopes to replicate at Shady Side.
Beyond the court, Woodson founded Students Learning Athletics & Academics through Mentoring (SLAAM), an AAU girls basketball program that serves athletes from fourth grade through high school across multiple states. Alumni of the program include Mimi Thiero, who committed to Maryland, and Maddie Webber, who signed with Illinois, both of whom have experienced Division I college basketball.
Woodson’s personal journey began in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he graduated from Newport Prep in 1997 and played alongside future NBA draft pick DerMarr Johnson. His high school career was shaped by coaches Chris Chaney, Keith Stevens and Quentin Hillsman, and he continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh, earning recognition as Pitt‑Greensburg’s Alumnus of Distinction in 2002.
A committed community servant, Woodson has spent time with the homeless and honors his late father, Robert Woodson, a civil rights activist and founder of the Woodson Center, whose legacy continues to influence his approach to leadership and service.
As he steps onto the sidelines at Shady Side Academy, Woodson brings a blend of coaching experience, program‑building expertise, and a deep‑rooted commitment to his community, setting the stage for the next chapter of the academy’s basketball tradition.