When we hear the name “Woods” in sports, the first image that comes to mind is usually of Tiger Woods, golf legend and global icon. But what if we told you that another Woods blazed her trail long before Tiger ever swung a club? Her name is Royce Renee Woods, and her story is not just inspiring — it’s essential.
From collegiate basketball courts to professional coaching benches and even championship-level golf greens, Royce’s journey is a powerful reminder that greatness comes in many forms. Let’s dive deep into the life of a woman who built a legacy rooted in quiet strength, resilience, and undeniable talent.
Quick Bio: Royce Renee Woods
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Royce Renee Woods |
| Birth Year | 1961 |
| Birthplace | California, USA |
| Sports Played | Basketball, Golf |
| College Attended | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff |
| Primary Sport in Youth | Basketball |
| Professional Role | WNBA Assistant & Head Coach |
| Coaching Highlight | Assistant Coach for Detroit Shock (WNBA Champs) |
| Golf Achievement | Winner, Senior Women’s Amateur Championship (age 57) |
| Family Connection | Half-sister of Tiger Woods |
| Marital Status | Married to Mack Mims |
| Children | One son: Marcus Mims (collegiate golfer) |
Early Life: Built on Discipline and Drive
Born in California in 1961, Royce Renee Woods grew up in a household where sports weren’t just encouraged — they were a way of life. Her father, Earl Woods Sr., instilled in all his children a deep sense of discipline, work ethic, and ambition.
While much of the public spotlight would later shine on her half-brother, Tiger, Royce was carving out her path in athletics long before his name made headlines. She stood out not just for her physical skill but also for her fierce determination and mental toughness.
Basketball Roots: Where the Journey Began
Royce’s first love wasn’t golf — it was basketball. She excelled in the sport through high school and earned her way to play at the collegiate level. As a college player, Royce showcased an incredible understanding of the game, earning the respect of coaches and teammates alike.
What set her apart wasn’t just her ability to score or defend, but her leadership. She had a knack for motivating others, reading the court, and adjusting strategy on the fly — traits that would later become invaluable in her coaching career.
Coaching Career: Breaking Barriers in the WNBA
After college, Royce transitioned into coaching — a move that would place her among the early women helping to shape the future of professional women’s basketball. She served as an assistant coach in the WNBA, contributing to team development and game strategy at a professional level.
Royce stood as a role model at a time when few African-American women held such visible positions in professional sports leadership. She wasn’t just a coach — she was a mentor, a strategist, and a voice for inclusivity in a male-dominated world.
She eventually earned a head coaching role, helping teams elevate their game while influencing younger players with her wisdom and calm leadership style. Her impact wasn’t limited to wins and losses — she built cultures, developed talent, and helped redefine what leadership looked like in women’s sports.
Later Life: A Champion on the Golf Course
Royce’s story didn’t end on the basketball court. Later in life, she found renewed passion on the golf course — a sport deeply woven into the DNA of the Woods family.
While most people her age might consider winding down, Royce was just getting started in a new arena. She began competing in senior amateur golf tournaments and quickly rose to the top, winning prestigious events and showing that excellence has no expiration date.
Her victory in a major senior amateur golf tournament at the age of 57 was a defining moment. It wasn’t just a personal triumph — it was a message to every woman over 50: you’re never too old to compete, to grow, or to win.
Relationship with Tiger Woods: Support, Distance, and Heartbreak
Royce was once close to her half-brother, Tiger. In fact, when he attended Stanford University, he lived with her — a period when she offered him not just a home, but a sense of grounding during his rise to fame.
Tiger later bought her a house as a token of appreciation — a gesture that spoke to the bond they once shared. However, as Tiger’s career exploded and his life became more guarded, the siblings grew apart.
In later years, Royce expressed sadness over the disconnect. Her love for her brother remains clear, but their estrangement left an emotional scar that she has never tried to hide. She once said she would give up every material possession to have her relationship with him back — a raw and human sentiment that reminds us that fame can sometimes come at a personal cost.
Family Life and Legacy
Today, Royce resides in California with her husband, Mack. Together, they raised a son, Marcus, who followed in the family’s athletic footsteps by playing collegiate golf.
While her family might not always be in the headlines, Royce’s influence shines through in the next generation, proving that a real legacy is built not in public but in private. She passed on her values of hard work, integrity, and mental resilience to her son, and those values continue to inspire everyone who knows her story.
Lessons from Royce Renee Woods
Royce’s life offers valuable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone chasing personal excellence:
1. You Don’t Need the Spotlight to Succeed
Royce never chased fame. Her focus was always on doing the work, building others up, and showing up every day with purpose. Her success speaks louder than any headline.
2. It’s Never Too Late to Start Something New
Whether it’s taking up golf later in life or reaching new heights in your 50s, Royce proves that passion doesn’t have an age limit.
3. Leadership Comes in Many Forms
As a player, coach, and parent, she embodied leadership through example. You don’t have to shout to be heard — consistency, respect, and wisdom are often more powerful.
4. Family Matters — Even When It’s Complicated
Royce’s relationship with Tiger might be strained, but her love remains. Her emotional honesty reminds us that behind every public figure is a private story of connection, separation, and longing.
The Royce Renee Woods We Should All Know
Royce Renee Woods isn’t just “Tiger’s sister.” She’s a powerhouse in her own right — an athlete, a coach, a mother, and a mentor. Her life has been filled with triumphs that often go unseen, but not unappreciated by those who value grit over glamour.
She might not be on magazine covers or trending on social media, but her impact runs deep. In many ways, she represents the everyday champions — the women who uplift others, chase excellence, and break barriers quietly but effectively.
Conclusion
Royce Renee Woods may not be a household name, but her story deserves recognition and respect. She is a shining example of quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and multidimensional success. From dominating the basketball court and mentoring as a WNBA coach to winning senior amateur golf championships later in life, Royce has continually redefined what it means to be an athlete — and a leader.
Her journey reminds us that legacy isn’t always built in front of cameras or on magazine covers. Sometimes, it’s crafted behind the scenes — in the quiet moments of resilience, the sacrifices made for family, and the passion to keep growing long after others have stopped trying.
Royce Renee Woods is proof that true greatness lies not just in being seen, but in living with purpose. And for that, she remains a trailblazer whose impact will echo for generations.
FAQs: Royce Renee Woods
1. Who is Royce Renee Woods?
Royce Renee Woods is an accomplished former basketball player, WNBA coach, senior amateur golf champion, and the half-sister of golfer Tiger Woods.
2. What sports did Royce Woods play?
She played college basketball and later became a coach in the WNBA. In her later years, she took up golf and won a senior amateur championship.
3. Did she have a close relationship with Tiger Woods?
Royce was once very close to Tiger and even helped support him during college. However, they became estranged in later years.
4. Is Royce Woods married, and does she have children?
Yes, she’s married to Mack Mims, and they have a son, Marcus, who also played golf at the collegiate level.
5. Why is Royce Renee Woods significant?
She’s a trailblazing woman in sports who excelled as a player, coach, and golfer — all while staying true to her values and mentoring the next generation.
6. What can we learn from her story?
Royce teaches us that success isn’t about the spotlight — it’s about consistency, passion, and the courage to keep evolving, no matter your age.
