Woody Swenson grew up in Minnesota and attended high school and two community colleges in Southern California before coming to Los Angeles Baptist College in 1975. After sitting out a year, Woody's booming left leg and legendary intensity led a revitalized soccer program to new heights. 

He scored 12 goals in 1976, including an eye-popping six vs. Ambasssador College, and went on to earn All-Far West Honorable Mention honors. A year later, he moved up to the All-Far West Second Team and was an NAIA All-District 3 First-Team choice. Capping a brilliant career in 1978, he was a first-team selection for the All-Far West and All-District 3 squads, respectively. He is currently the 16th-leading scorer in school history with 78 points.

Graduating from the college in 1979 with a bachelor's in biblical studies, Woody married Noreen Oda later that year and moved to Lancaster where he served in many aspects of ministry at Bethel Baptist Church from 1980-1994. In 1995, he was called to Fallon, Nevada, and continues to serve there as pastor at Parkside Bible Fellowship.

Woody and Noreen are proud parents of four children: Sam, Heidi, Kari, and Sara.