Fresno State’s winningest women’s basketball coach passes away at 87

Fresno State has lot another one of its coaching giants with the passing on Sunday of former women’s basketball coach Bob Spencer, who racked up almost 200 wins in 12 seasons with the Bulldogs and was the first NCAA women’s basketball coach to win 500 career games.

Spencer was 87.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob Spencer’s family, coaches and players,” women’s basketball coach Jaime White said, in a release from the athletics department. “As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his legacy.”

The Bulldogs advanced to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament in 1986 and 1990 and had 20 or more wins four times under Spencer, who was 198-147 leading the program from 1981 to ‘93.

In 1986-87, Fresno State set a school record by averaging 78.4 points per game led by four players that earned All-America honors during their careers – Wendy Martell, Shannon McGee, Yvette Roberts and Simone Srubek. That team was the first in program history to make it into a Top 25.

“When I played at Fresno State, Coach Spencer introduced the words ‘intestinal fortitude’ into our vocabulary,” Martell-Taylor said. “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.”

Former Fresno State baseball coach Bob Bennett passed away in May and former basketball coach Boyd Grant died in August. Flags on campus were flying at half-staff on Monday in honor of Grant, who led the Bulldogs to the NIT championship in 1983 and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1981, ‘82 and ‘84.

There are 1,694 Fresno State victories between the three of them – Bennett had 1,302, Spencer 198 and Grant 194.

In a 27-year coaching career, Spencer became the first NCAA women’s basketball coach to win 500 games and when he retired was the second winningest coach in its history with 578 career wins.

“Bob Spencer laid the foundation for success at the highest level within our women’s basketball program,” athletics director Terry Tumey said. “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.”

This story was originally published August 31, 2020 at 11:48 AM.