Editor's Note: This is the final profile in a series highlighting Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. For more information on the February 6 ceremony, visit https://bit.ly/4q5KPV7 or email Noah Henkell at nhenkell@ualr.edu.
For more than two decades, the voice of Little Rock basketball has belonged to Dave Woodman.
Since 2004, Woodman has served as a public address announcer, and in 2006 became the voice of Little Rock women's basketball, cementing his role as an essential part of the game-day experience at the Jack Stephens Center. His voice has introduced starting lineups, set the tone for tipoff, and added a sense of dignity and tradition to every Trojan home game.
Former Little Rock assistant athletics director Gary Hogan hired Woodman to announce men's games before encouraging him to make the move to women's basketball—an opportunity that proved to be a perfect fit.
"Dave was really good at what he did at Channel 4," Hogan said. "He retired from television, but he loved what he was doing with Trojan basketball. He still does it, and he still loves it. Dave truly loves what he's doing."
To Little Rock fans, Woodman isn't just a voice on the microphone—he's part of the program's identity.
"When you hear his voice over the PA, that clicks for older fans—they know who he is," said Steve Sullivan, longtime KATV sports director who worked under Woodman. "It's just nice to know the University recognized the 'PA guy' and the broadcaster, because they contribute a lot to the atmosphere of the arena."
Hogan credits Woodman's longevity and excellence to his genuine passion for the game.
"First of all, it's his love for basketball," Hogan said. "He loves basketball, and I think being retired, loving basketball, and being part of a good program - it all kind of fits together. And it has for a long time."
That presence is the result of a lifetime spent mastering the craft of broadcasting. Since the 1970s, Woodman has been a cornerstone of Arkansas television, serving as sports director at KARK for more than two decades before transitioning to the news desk.
"He is good at everything," Sullivan said. "In my 40 years in Little Rock, he's one of the best communicators I've been around. He's had one of the most amazing careers I've ever seen."
Even in retirement from television, Woodman's dedication never wavered. Hogan often saw that commitment firsthand.
"I see him talking to folks all the time," Hogan said. "Sometimes he'll just come over to the arena and watch practice."
Those who worked alongside him say it best: Dave Woodman was made for television—respected in the newsroom, trusted by audiences, embraced by Trojan basketball fans, and admired by all.
"Dave is an icon in Arkansas television, and he has become part of our basketball family," Little Rock women's basketball head coach Steve Wiedower said. "He puts a great deal of preparation into his work and is very dedicated. We've been lucky to have him."
Now, at 90 years young, Woodman will hang up the microphone at the end of the season.
"I joked five years ago that I wanted to do this until I was 90," Woodman said with a laugh. "Here we are. It's been a great run. I appreciate Gary Hogan for giving me the opportunity."
Little Rock honors a man whose voice elevated its games, its moments, and its memories.
Welcome Dave Woodman into the Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame.
"I'm just very honored to be included with such elite company," Woodman said. "I don't know if I'm deserving, but I appreciate it very much."
