Alexis Woods signs her National Letter of Intent to play basketball at UAH surrounded by family, friends and coaches.

Alexis Woods won’t have to go very far to continue her basketball career. The Athens power forward made her college choice official when she signed her National Letter of Intent Wednesday morning to play at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

Woods made her decision official at a signing ceremony in the Athens High cafeteria with numerous family, friends, teammates and coaches in attendance.

“It’s an honor to have all these people here supporting me,” Woods said. “It makes me feel like I actually have supporters and not people just now jumping on the bandwagon. These are my true friends and family who have been with me all the way.”

Athens girls basketball coach Eddie Murphree said it has been enjoyable watching Woods grow as a basketball player and student.

“Over the last four years, it’s been a blessing to see Alexis grow and mature,” Murphree said. “She’s always been a fierce competitor, and these last two years we’ve seen her really go to work with her school work and ACT. She’s got God-given talent, but what makes her special is all the other stuff.”

Woods said she was happy to go ahead and sign with UAH so she can focus on her senior season at Athens High.

“It’s a big weight off my shoulders,” Woods said. “I can focus on my senior year now.”

Woods said the interest the UAH coaches showed in her was a huge factor in her decision to play for the Chargers.

“The coaches made me feel really welcome,” she said. “They came to me through Facebook and wanted to set up a visit with me. While other schools were procrastinating, UAH coaches made me feel like they really wanted me.”

Another perk of her choice of college is its closeness to her hometown.

“It’s nice to be able to have it so my family and friends can come see me play,” she said. “It’s great to have that support continue to college.”

Murphree echoed those statements, and said he expects Woods to have a great college career.

“Her best days are still ahead of her,” Murphree said. “Alexis is a true Golden Eagle. We love her and will always be there for her.”