NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) — What began as a childhood lesson on a tractor in the far northwest corner of Tennessee has come full circle for EJ Wood, who will step into his new role as Assistant Executive Director for the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) on July 7.

A former two-sport college athlete at Lambuth University, Wood’s journey into education and athletics began with one simple instruction from his father while riding a tractor around a baseball field: Don’t hit the fence. That mindset—focused, disciplined, and driven—has guided him through two decades of service in Tennessee schools.

After finishing his playing career, Wood began teaching at Youth Villages in Bartlett. His coaching and leadership path would take him through Watertown Elementary and Watertown High, where he served as head baseball coach and later as athletic director. In 2020, he became the founding Athletic Director at Green Hill High School in Lebanon, helping launch the school’s athletic programs from the ground up.

Now, with the retirement of longtime TSSAA administrator Gene Menees, Wood is moving into a statewide leadership role with the organization that governs high school sports in Tennessee.

While his resume includes impressive leadership roles, it’s his time behind the scenes—working as an assistant groundskeeper for the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals—that shaped his mindset. Those long hours, attention to detail, and team-first mentality have become part of his leadership DNA.

Wood credits many mentors for his development, including his father, Gwin Wood, for whom the South Fulton baseball field is named, and others like Bethel interim AD Dave McCulley. Wood says he's learned from the best and aspires to lead with humility, consistency, and care.

With deep Tennessee roots and a proven track record of impact in education-based athletics, Wood now joins TSSAA leadership at a critical moment as the association moves into its second century of service.

His approach is grounded in experience, work ethic, and a belief that leadership is earned through everyday actions—not titles.

Wood and his wife Grace, along with their daughters Ensley and Ellie, look forward to this next chapter of service. While he could retire in a decade, Wood says he’s just getting started and sees this new opportunity as a calling, not a career move.