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Local Standout Juliet Woodards Commits to Taft College Women’s Basketball

Romeo Lagmay | Taft College | May 22, 2026

Pictured left to right: Mother Grecia Woodards, Juliet, Father Jason Woodards, TUHS Girl's Basketball Coach Oscar Nuno

It was a proud hometown moment in Taft as Juliet Woodards officially signed to continue her basketball career with Taft College Women’s Basketball for the 2026-27 season. The Taft Union High School standout chose to stay close to home and become a Cougar, turning signing day into a celebration of both her hard work and the strength of the local basketball community.

The event took place at the Westside Recreation Center in Taft, where more than 40 family members and friends gathered to celebrate Woodards’ next step. Seated with Juliet at the signing table were her mother, Grecia, her father, Jason Woodards, and Taft Union High School girls basketball coach Oscar Nuno. The turnout reflected the support system behind Woodards as she reached one of the biggest milestones of her athletic career.

Woodards earned that moment with an impressive body of work at Taft Union. She averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists, showing the all-around game that made her one of the area’s top players. She was named First Team All-Southern Section in both 2025 and 2026, took part in the 2026 Kern County All-Star Game, and helped Taft Union High School claim back-to-back Arvin Tournament championships in 2024 and 2025.

Woodards commented, "I chose Taft College because of the coaching staff and I want to represent my hometown. I also feel like Taft College will get me to the next level.

The ceremony also gave the people closest to Woodards a chance to reflect on the journey. Speeches were delivered by both of her parents, by Juliet herself, by Nuno, and by Taft College Head Women’s Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay Jr. Together, those voices underscored the work, belief and community pride that helped carry Woodards to this day. This will mark Taft's first local signee under the presence of Coach Lagmay's program's direction.

For Taft College, Woodards’ signing adds a proven local talent to the Cougars’ future roster. For Taft Union and the Taft community, it was a chance to celebrate one of their own taking the next step without leaving home. Surrounded by family, coaches and friends, Woodards’ signing stood as a joyful reminder of what can happen when talent, dedication and hometown support come together.

Taft Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. said., "I do my best to look for prospects with high character and a certain toughness about them. After watching Juliet play some, I already knew she was a tough son of a gun. A local talent, scrappy player, and a good person were all the qualities that are fitting to our program. I will however have some hesitancy calling out across the court to a Juliet to respond to a Romeo. Hahaha."