Pirate Preview: Ari Woodard ('26-'27)

Published: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

by Tyler Seabrease

After beginning her freshman season as a player waiting for her opportunity, Seton Hall guard Ari Woodard enters 2026-27 with a much bigger role to build upon. 

 

Woodard, a 5-foot-8 guard from Oviedo, Florida, appeared in 20 games during her freshman season and made six starts.  

 

She averaged 2.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, but her impact grew significantly once injuries forced Seton Hall to rely on her.

 

The turning point came in February, against St. John’s on Feb. 7. Woodard recorded a career-high 11 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, while also adding two steals. Just one week later, she made her first collegiate start against DePaul and showed her ability to facilitate within the offense, finishing with a career-high 11 assists.

 

That stretch gave Seton Hall a glimpse of what Woodard could provide as a lead guard. Her 11 assists against DePaul were the most recorded by any Pirate during the 2025-26 season. She also showed that she could contribute beyond scoring, using her passing, ball-handling, and defensive ability to help keep the offense moving. 

 

Woodard's rise was especially notable because of how quickly her role changed. Earlier in the season, she was averaging just 3.5 minutes per game. By the middle of February, she was playing more than 30 minutes and was being trusted with the responsibility of running the Seton Hall offense.

 

Her development also earned recognition from the program. Woodard was named one of Seton Hall's Breakthrough Athletes of the Year at the 2026 SHUCademy Awards following her freshman campaign. 
Now, Woodard enters her sophomore season as part of a reworked Seton Hall roster. The Pirates have several returners, including Woodard, Savannah Catalon, Ja'Kahla Craft and Shailyn Pinkney, while adding a group of newcomers.

 

The biggest question surrounding Woodard heading into the season: how can she translate the confidence she gained late last year into a larger role from the start?  

 

Her freshman season showed that she can handle increased responsibility when called upon. This season provides an opportunity to establish herself as a consistent piece of the Pirates' backcourt.

 

For a Seton Hall team replacing several key contributors, Woodard's continued development could be an important storyline throughout the season. Her freshman year was about waiting for her opportunity.  

 

Her sophomore season will be about making the most of it as she looks to lead the Pirates to another top 3 finish in the BIG EAST conference.  

 

Tyler Seabrease can be reached at tyler.seabrease@student.shu.edu 

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