Fresno State Athletics
In memoriam, Bob Spencer: 1932-2020
8/30/2020 8:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – Bob Spencer, who is the Fresno State women's basketball program's all-time winningest coach, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87.
Spencer led the Bulldogs from 1981-1993 and guided the program to a 198-147 record over the last 12 years of his 27-year collegiate coaching career. While at Fresno State, he became the first NCAA women's basketball coach to earn 500 career wins and when he retired, left as the second winningest coach in NCAA women's basketball history with 578 career wins.
Spencer's Bulldog teams twice appeared in the Women's National Invitation Tournament (1986, 1990) and reached at least 20 wins four times. His 1986-87 team which finished 22-8, still holds the program record for the highest scoring average in a season (78.4 ppg). Led by four players who would garner All-America honors during their careers (Wendy Martell, Shannon McGee, Yvette Roberts, Simone Srubek), they were the first team in program history to earn a top 25 ranking. Spencer was also named to the American Women's Sports Federation All-American Coaches list on four occasions (1986, 1987, 1989, 1990).
Prior to his time in Fresno, Spencer was viewed as a pioneer in starting athletic programs for women at the collegiate level, initiating programs at John F. Kennedy College, Parsons College and William Penn College. In 1981 he was named the Division II National Coach of the Year (the first male to receive the honor) and the American Women's Sports Federation Coach of the Year following a 43-3 season that included winning the AIAW national championship at William Penn.
Quotes
Terry Tumey, Fresno State Director of Athletics
"Bob Spencer laid the foundation for success at the highest level within our women's basketball program. He leaves behind a legacy which includes the most wins in program history, our first ever top 25 national ranking, and more importantly he developed strong women who continue to impact our community today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spencer family."
Jaime White, Fresno State Women's Basketball Head Coach
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob Spencer's family, coaches and players. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his legacy."
Wendy Martell Taylor, Fresno State women's basketball, 1984-87
"When I played at Fresno State, Coach Spencer introduced the words "intestinal fortitude" into our vocabulary. He introduced a sense of courageousness, fearlessness, and great heartedness that permeated our program. This spirit of tenacity marked our team and has marked my life. I am thankful for Coach Spencer and the lessons learned that have lasted a lifetime."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Spencer led the Bulldogs from 1981-1993 and guided the program to a 198-147 record over the last 12 years of his 27-year collegiate coaching career. While at Fresno State, he became the first NCAA women's basketball coach to earn 500 career wins and when he retired, left as the second winningest coach in NCAA women's basketball history with 578 career wins.
Spencer's Bulldog teams twice appeared in the Women's National Invitation Tournament (1986, 1990) and reached at least 20 wins four times. His 1986-87 team which finished 22-8, still holds the program record for the highest scoring average in a season (78.4 ppg). Led by four players who would garner All-America honors during their careers (Wendy Martell, Shannon McGee, Yvette Roberts, Simone Srubek), they were the first team in program history to earn a top 25 ranking. Spencer was also named to the American Women's Sports Federation All-American Coaches list on four occasions (1986, 1987, 1989, 1990).
Prior to his time in Fresno, Spencer was viewed as a pioneer in starting athletic programs for women at the collegiate level, initiating programs at John F. Kennedy College, Parsons College and William Penn College. In 1981 he was named the Division II National Coach of the Year (the first male to receive the honor) and the American Women's Sports Federation Coach of the Year following a 43-3 season that included winning the AIAW national championship at William Penn.
Quotes
Terry Tumey, Fresno State Director of Athletics
"Bob Spencer laid the foundation for success at the highest level within our women's basketball program. He leaves behind a legacy which includes the most wins in program history, our first ever top 25 national ranking, and more importantly he developed strong women who continue to impact our community today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spencer family."
Jaime White, Fresno State Women's Basketball Head Coach
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob Spencer's family, coaches and players. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his legacy."
Wendy Martell Taylor, Fresno State women's basketball, 1984-87
"When I played at Fresno State, Coach Spencer introduced the words "intestinal fortitude" into our vocabulary. He introduced a sense of courageousness, fearlessness, and great heartedness that permeated our program. This spirit of tenacity marked our team and has marked my life. I am thankful for Coach Spencer and the lessons learned that have lasted a lifetime."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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