Today, on Earl Woods’ birthday, we celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of a man whose values continue to inspire generations.
Before he was known to many as Tiger Woods’ father, Earl was a trailblazer in his own right. A standout athlete, he became the first African American baseball player in the Big Seven Conference while attending Kansas State University after graduating from Manhattan High School in 1949, where he was later inducted into its Hall of Fame. Though he was offered the chance to play professionally with the Kansas City Monarchs, after graduating Earl chose a path of service.
He joined the U.S. Army, where he became one of the first Black officers in the Army Special Forces, the Green Berets. During a distinguished 20-year career, he served two tours in Vietnam, advised the South Vietnamese military and ultimately retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Throughout his life, Earl embodied discipline, service and an unwavering belief in people. His philosophy of “sharing and caring” would later help shape the founding of TGR Foundation, where he served as the president and chairman in its early years. Upon his passing in 2006, the Earl Woods Scholar Program was established in his memory.
We are proud to honor a veteran, mentor, pioneer and visionary whose wisdom continues to guide the work we do and the students we serve.
In celebration of his life, we’re sharing a few of Earl’s words of wisdom that continue to inspire us as we empower students to pursue their passions through education.
Earl Woods on life, leadership and perseverance:
- “Everything starts with a first step.”
- “You will get to the top if you want it enough. It’s up to you.
- “Losing with dignity and maturity makes you a winner every time.”
- “Life is about caring every day.”
- “The smartest people are those who are always asking questions. You can be one of them.”
- “We are all teachers and we’re all students. You have special gifts. Share them.”
- “Established relationships never really end. They just change shape.”
- “You don’t fail when you fall down. You fail when you don’t get back up.”
- “A true leader makes an effort to be sure that everyone feels appreciated and important. It makes the whole team stronger.”
- “Hard work gives you a shot at greatness.”
- “You have the power to dream amazing dreams and turn them into reality.”
- “You have the power to set goals that only you can achieve.”
- “Be yourself. Love yourself. Be proud of who you are and where you come from.”
- “Don’t waste time complaining. You know what it takes to succeed. Get back out there and prove it.”
- “Value people over winning.”
We are deeply grateful for Earl’s strength of character, his dedication to service and his belief in the power of education and mentorship. His legacy continues to shape our mission and inspire the students, scholars and communities we serve every day.
