Cal Searock is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Liberty High School for AZPreps365.com.

At Liberty High School and through his organization Chaos Hoops, head coach Mark Wood is building more than basketball players.

As both the school’s head coach and CEO of the Peoria-based youth program, Wood focuses on developing strong athletes and even stronger people.

“We abide by five core values: toughness, trust, respect, humility, and effort,” Wood said. “We feel that every part of our system aligns to those core values — the way we play, the way we behave, the way we talk to one another — everything ties back to them.”

Those principles serve as the foundation for both programs, shaping how players compete, communicate, and grow. For Wood, basketball is about much more than wins and losses.

Wood and Todd Fazio, a coach at Highland High School, launched the Youth Development Academy in 2018 to provide a positive, development-focused experience for young basketball players and their families. The league was designed to create an environment where kids stay engaged in sports, enjoy their experience, and continue developing without the pressures that often push young athletes away.

Chaos Hoops, Wood’s youth basketball program, also began in 2018 and serves third- through eighth-grade athletes in the Peoria area.

The club competes in the Youth Development Academy, with seasons running from August through October, and again from January through May. Chaos Hoops emphasizes structured training, competitive play, and a values-driven culture consistent with the expectations at Liberty High School.

While some Liberty players have roots in Chaos Hoops, participation varies and does not necessarily mean athletes are competing year-round.

Wood said the Youth Development Academy originated from Fazio’s vision to build a league centered on development and positive experiences. Wood helped expand the idea alongside him, and together they shaped it into a program that continues to benefit families across multiple communities. 

That commitment to positivity and development has made a lasting impression on players and coaches alike — including Brandon Dixon, who now coaches alongside Wood at Chaos Hoops after playing for him at Liberty.

Dixon attended Liberty High School from 2011 to 2014 before graduating in 2015. He went on to play basketball at Mesa Community College and later at Benedictine University. 

Dixon first met Wood in fifth grade while attending Liberty's summer camps and later spent three seasons playing varsity for him. He said Wood regularly encourages former players to return, stay connected, and contribute to the program. 

It was a message that inspired Dixon to come back and help coach. 

Dixon said the characteristics that make Wood an effective leader extend far beyond the court.

“Him as a coach isn’t too different from him as a person,” Dixon said. “He’s passionate about everything he does and truly cares for those around him. He can come off as an intense coach, but he’s actually pretty light-hearted and a jokester.”

That balance of drive and humor, Dixon said, helps Wood connect with his players and keep them motivated.

“In terms of connecting, it’s really about putting the time in,” Dixon said. “He makes sure every kid feels validated and that a connection is built. He also makes it very clear to kids and parents that basketball is nothing more than a medium to help the kids grow and develop.”

Whether he’s leading Liberty’s varsity basketball team or developing young athletes through Chaos Hoops — his Peoria-based youth basketball club — Wood’s influence extends far beyond wins and losses. Through structured training, positive experiences, and value-driven coaching, his programs continue to shape generations of players in the community.