Spencer Named Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach

Director of Athletics Dr. Jenna Panatier has announced the hiring of Alec Spencer as the new head coach of the Leopards’ men’s and women’s golf programs.

Spencer returns to La Verne as an accomplished coach and proud alumnus, bringing with him a proven record of success in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). He most recently served as an assistant coach at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, where he played a key role in one of the nation’s top NCAA Division III golf programs.

“Alec brings an exceptional blend of championship-level coaching experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of the values that define the University of La Verne,” said Dr. Panatier. “His success within the SCIAC, commitment to student-athlete development, and passion for La Verne make him an outstanding choice to lead our golf programs.”

Spencer joins the Leopards after four seasons on the CMS men’s golf coaching staff. During his tenure, the Stags captured three SCIAC championships and recorded two third-place finishes at the NCAA Division III Championships. In his first season, CMS dominated conference play by winning all three SCIAC events by a combined margin of more than 30 strokes, followed by the program’s second-highest national finish in NCAA history. That season also produced five First Team All-SCIAC selections and three GCAA All-Americans. CMS duplicated those accomplishments in 2023, rallying from behind to claim another SCIAC title and a third-place finish at nationals.

As a student-athlete at La Verne, Spencer was one of the most decorated golfers in program history. He earned four All-SCIAC honors, including three first-team selections, was named the 2013 SCIAC Newcomer of the Year, and achieved All-American and Academic All-American recognition in 2017 as one of the top NCAA Division III golfers in the country. He graduated from La Verne with a degree in business administration. He remains active in competitive golf, participating in amateur and mid-amateur tournaments, and currently serves as a member of the University of La Verne Alumni Advisory Board.

“I am incredibly honored to return to the University of La Verne and lead the men’s and women’s golf programs,” Spencer said. “La Verne played a pivotal role in my development both as a golfer and as a person. I am excited to give back to La Verne, build a strong team culture, and help our student-athletes grow on the course, in the classroom, and as alumni.”

The Leopards open the spring season next month.