On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Mark Wood, Liberty High School teacher and Boys Basketball Coach, was named this year’s Spirit of Cotton winner by the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation. This award seeks to highlight one high school basketball coach in Arizona who embodies the spirit and legacy of former Phoenix Suns Head Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons for their dedication to excellence, leadership and service to the community.
This is on the heels of Liberty High School earning the 6A State Championship Title in basketball. This is their second title in three seasons demonstrating Coach Wood’s commitment to excellence.
“Coach Wood has dedicated his career to developing student-athletes not only as competitors, but as young adults of character. He teaches the game of basketball with a clarity, passion, and patience that reflects the very spirit of Cotton Fitzsimmons’ coaching legacy,” shared Liberty High School Athletic Director Eric Gardener. “Through intentional instruction, individualized support, and high expectations, Coach Wood helps every athlete—starter or reserve—understand their value and their growth. His practices are master classes in both fundamentals and life lessons. He communicates with purpose, teaches with humility, and leads with a servant’s heart.”
The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation along with JoAnn Fitzsimmons, Coach Cotton’s wife, and the Suns Gorilla surprised Coach Wood during a school assembly. Coach Wood will also be recognized pregame at the Pheonix Suns game on Wednesday, April 8.
This is the second Peoria Unified coach to be recognized with the Spirit of Cotton Award in the past three years. Ironwood High School coach, Jordan Augustine, earned this recognition in 2024.