Mike Woodson’s life has always revolved around basketball. From his days as a standout at Indiana under Bob Knight to his long career in the NBA as both a player and coach, he’s left his mark at every level of the game. He’s coached stars, rebuilt teams, and brought his signature toughness and discipline wherever he’s gone.
But for all his success on the court, the thing he’s most proud of doesn’t come with a championship. Away from basketball, Woodson is a family man through and through. His children grew up around the game, but they’ve each found their own way, carving out paths that are uniquely theirs. Here’s everything you need to know about Mike Woodson’s children.
Athletic family for coach Mike Woodson
Since becoming Indiana’s head coach in 2021, the former Hoosier All-American has worked to bring stability and progress to the program. But while his legacy on the court is well-known, it’s his role as a husband and father that truly defines him.
Woodson and his wife, Terri, have been together since 1983, navigating the highs and lows of life in basketball. While Terri has largely stayed out of the spotlight, their children have each forged their own paths. Alexis and Mariah Woodson, the two daughters of Mike, grew up surrounded by basketball but found their passion in volleyball. Mariah reveals they realized their potential in jumping and hence took up the sport.
While she wasn’t as involved with the sport, the elder one excelled. Alexis started off with high school, leading her team to a state title as a sophomore. She would also be All-Area MVP and first team in both 2006 and 2007 and make the 2008 USA Volleyball National Championship in Dallas, Texas, before moving to the University of Indiana. She’d thrive there too.
As a freshman, Alexis started 29 of 30 matches and compiled 109 kills, 90 blocks, and 17 digs. She then moved to Georgia Tech, where she started all 32 matches and was fifth on the team averaging 1.43 kills a set as a Junior. Despite growing up an Indiana native, Alexis would love it better it Atlanta.
“I love the city of Atlanta,” she had said. “The city, the lights, coming downtown, finding new little eateries or finding little shopping areas. So I love being here.” Alexis reveals her father did not mind that she was transferring from his alma mater. “he wants me to be happy,” she shared. As for her contribution on the court, Head Coach Tonya Johnson was pretty happy with the addition– “we’re excited to have them be a part of it.”
Mariah would help her high school to state title as well in 2005 and 2009 and lead her team in both kills (371) and blocks (40) as a senior. But that seemed to be it. The two have walked down different paths since, but the love has remained untattered.
New chapter, same faith
Stepping into the next chapter, Alexis married Mykhail Chambers back in 2021—something Woodson proudly shared on social media. Mariah, meanwhile, took a creative route, launching her own swimsuit brand, Kiwi Plum, and collaborating with other NBA daughters on fashion projects.
A very special weekend for me. Congratulations to my beautiful daughter @LexyLove_14 on her special wedding day. I am proud father.
Love you. pic.twitter.com/CQoorHf2bi
— Mike Woodson (@MikeWoodsonNBA) June 7, 2021
She’d also announce her engagement to Garrius Adams in 2023. “The easiest ‘yes’ I have ever said!” she had shared. A few months later, they welcomed their first son, Naziyr. “All that I’ve gone through, everything I am going through, and everything I do is for my son Naziyr,” Mariah reveals. The little one has now grown up to accompany her to Indiana Hoosier games frequently. Mike Woodson can also be seen carrying him around in the locker room.
He’s the new little hoosier of the family. But no one is replacing Mariah.
The youngest daughter of the Woodson’s has consistently honored her father’s #42 and been a regular attendee at his games. Woodson, now 66, has faced challenges in his coaching role with the Hoosiers for the 2024-25 season. The campaign did not go as planned, missing second consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. He’s had the support of his family through it all. Mariah even took to Instagram to share, “I love each & every one of you,” to the entire Hoosier team and coaching staff.
Despite their different journeys, the Woodson family remains tightly connected, showing up for one another in every way that matters. Indiana spirit runs thick in the Woodson family.
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