Angie Jenkins Stafford
Class of 2024
From a young age, Angie Jenkins Stafford was determined to follow in the footsteps of her older siblings, Allen and Donna, both accomplished athletes. Growing up in the rural landscapes of Madison County, Alabama, on a 10-acre property, Angie had no shortage of motivation. With siblings who excelled in sports, she was eager to catch up—and surpass them.
A three-sport standout at Hazel Green High School, Angie was an exceptional volleyball player, a formidable track athlete, and a force on the basketball court. She was part of four state championship volleyball teams, earning All-State honors three times and once being named the MVP in the state tournament. On the track, Angie’s versatility was evident as she captured more than half a dozen titles, including three in the pentathlon, and helped set a state record in the 4x100 relay. Even in junior high, she was already showing her competitive edge by finishing second in the 300-meter hurdles at the state meet—a race won by none other than her sister, Donna.
Angie’s journey in athletics was shaped by her coaches, including the legendary Glenda Wright, whose relentless desire to win and demand for hard work influenced Angie’s approach to the game. Despite some challenges during her junior season, Angie and her Hazel Green volleyball teammates managed to win the state championship—a testament to their resilience and determination.
Though volleyball defined much of Angie’s athletic career, track was the avenue that ultimately earned her a scholarship to the University of Montevallo. However, her journey took a few turns. After leaving Montevallo, Angie moved to Florida, where life brought both challenges and opportunities. She later completed her degree at Florida State and began coaching and teaching in both Florida and Tennessee.
Returning to Madison County, Angie’s life took another significant turn when she reunited with her high school basketball coach, Rickey Stafford. In need of extra income as a single mom, Angie began painting with Rickey, leading to a deep friendship and, eventually, marriage in 1999. Together, they raised a blended family of five children.
Rickey, who passed away in 2015, was a major advocate for Angie’s Hall of Fame induction. "He really wanted this to happen for me," Angie says, recalling his efforts to champion her achievements. Though he is no longer with her, Angie now stands proudly as a Hall of Fame inductee, her legacy a tribute to both her athletic prowess and the unwavering support of the man who believed in her.
This feature is a narrative summary created by AI for the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame project, based on Hall materials and public records, and stories written by Hall of Fame board members. Statistics and honors reflect the cited sources; please contact the Hall for official confirmations.
