Wendy Wood (Yang), Rice '86, to Be Inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame
5/27/2025 12:46:00 PM | Women's Tennis
WACO, Texas — The Texas Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce that Wendy Wood (Yang), Rice University Class of 1986, will be inducted into the Southwest Conference (SWC) Hall of Fame. She joins an elite class of former athletes representing each of the historic SWC schools.
Wendy is the winningest tennis player in Rice history. A two-time All-American in both singles and doubles (1985 & 1986) and two-time SWC Player of the Year, she excelled throughout her collegiate career, capturing multiple conference titles in both singles and doubles. She was also named ITCA Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1986 and received a prestigious NCAA Graduate Scholarship Award.
After graduating, Wendy competed on the professional tour for three years, earning a world ranking of No. 185 and playing in Grand Slam events including Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open.
Inducted into the Rice Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991, Wendy went on to earn her MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. With more than 25 years in the athletic and outdoor industries, she most recently served as President of HOKA, leading the brand from $70 million to over $1 billion in revenue. She now advises and serves on multiple boards.
Wendy currently lives in New England with her husband, Jong, and frequently travels to the West Coast, where their three daughters reside.
The 2025 SWC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will be held Tuesday, August 5, at noon CT at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco. For tickets or sponsorships, visit tshof.org/swc or call 254-756-1633.