Have you heard of Royce Renee Woods? She’s the talented half-sister of golf icon Tiger Woods. While Tiger’s fame has made him a household name, Royce has quietly built an impressive career of her own in sports. Let’s take a closer look at her story.
Who is Royce Renee Woods?
Royce Renee Woods was born on October 18, 1961, making her 14 years older than her famous half-brother Tiger. Despite the age gap, the two siblings share a passion for athletics that runs in the family. Royce has proven herself to be a gifted athlete in her own right.
She excelled in both golf and basketball from a young age. Her natural abilities and strong work ethic propelled her to compete at high levels in both sports.
Early Life And Family Background
Royce grew up in a sports-loving family. Her father Earl Woods Sr. was a talented baseball player who also served in the U.S. Army. He passed on his love of competition to all his children. Royce’s mother Barbara Gary was Earl Sr.’s first wife. Together they had three children – Earl Jr., Kevin, and Royce. The family lived in various places due to Earl Sr.’s military career before settling in California.
From a young age, Royce showed promise in athletics. She began playing golf seriously as a teenager under the guidance of her father. Basketball was another sport where her skills shone brightly.
Parents And Siblings
Earl Woods Sr. had a tremendous influence on shaping Royce and her siblings into the accomplished athletes they became. He recognized their potential early on and devoted himself to coaching and supporting their sports endeavors. Royce’s two older brothers, Earl Jr. and Kevin, also took to golf. The Woods household was an intensely competitive one, with the siblings constantly pushing each other to excel.
When Earl Sr. remarried in 1969 to Kultida Punsawad, Royce gained a younger half-brother in Tiger. Despite the age difference, Tiger and Royce formed a close bond through their shared love of golf.
Relationship with Tiger Woods
As Tiger’s older sister, Royce played a significant role in his early life and development. She was a supportive presence as he rose to become a golfing prodigy.
During Tiger’s college golf career at Stanford in the mid-1990s, Royce reportedly let him stay at her home in nearby Palo Alto. Tiger expressed his gratitude by gifting Royce a house, according to his father Earl Sr.
However, in more recent years, there have been rumors that Royce and Tiger’s once-close relationship has become strained. Despite any personal ups and downs, Royce has consistently expressed pride in her brother’s phenomenal achievements.
Career and Professional Life
Royce’s athletic career is an impressive one. She competed internationally as an amateur golfer for over two decades, winning titles well into her 50s. In 2018, at age 57, Royce won the American Golf Association Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Basketball was another arena where Royce left her mark. She played college hoops at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff before going on to a coaching career in the WNBA.
Royce served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Shock, helping lead them to the 2003 WNBA Championship. She also had stints as head coach of the Minnesota Lynx and assistant roles with other WNBA teams.
Personal Life And Family
While Royce has mostly kept her personal life out of the spotlight, it’s clear that family is very important to her. She has been married to her husband Mack Mims since 1983. Royce and Mack have one son together, Marcus Mims. Continuing the family tradition, Marcus played collegiate golf at Santa Clara University and later competed professionally on mini-tours.
Support For Tiger Woods’ Career
Especially during Tiger’s early years, Royce was a significant source of support and encouragement for her younger brother. She understood firsthand the dedication and sacrifices required to succeed in competitive sports. By allowing Tiger to stay with her during college, Royce provided a family environment that enabled him to focus on golf. Her insights as a fellow elite athlete were likely invaluable to Tiger as he navigated the pressures of his budding career.
While their relationship dynamic may have shifted over time, Royce’s role in Tiger’s journey cannot be understated. In many ways, she helped lay the foundation for the champion he would become.
Influence And Impact
Beyond her famous family connection, Royce Renee Woods has made her own indelible mark in the sports world. Her accomplishments in golf and basketball are testaments to her talent, drive, and longevity. As one of the few African-American women coaching in the WNBA, especially during its early years, Royce was a trailblazer. She helped open doors for greater representation and diversity in professional sports leadership.
Royce’s story is an inspiring example of what’s possible through passion and perseverance. She’s living proof that with the right combination of ability, work ethic, and opportunity, you can achieve great things – regardless of age or circumstance.
Final Thoughts
Royce Renee Woods may not be as famous as her iconic half-brother, but her life and career are remarkable in their own right. From her early days as a promising young athlete to her years as a winning golfer and basketball coach, Royce has embodied excellence.
Though she’s faced her share of challenges, including complex family dynamics, Royce has remained resilient. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the incredible things that can happen when you stay true to yourself and your passions.
So the next time you hear the name Woods, don’t just think of Tiger. Remember Royce Renee Woods, the gifted athlete, coach, sister, wife, and mother who has quietly but undeniably made her mark. Hers is a story worth celebrating.
