Former Cal All-American Chelsea Spencer Named Program's Head Coach

Chelsea Spencer was named the head coach of the Cal softball program on Wednesday, the university announced.

Spencer, who was an All-American for the Bears during her college career, helped Cal win the 2002 national championship as the team's shortstop.

"I am absolutely thrilled that Chelsea will be coming home to Berkeley to be the next head coach of our softball program," Cal Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton said. "As a player at Cal, she helped us to the very top of collegiate softball, and in the years since her graduation, she has continued to build for this opportunity to lead our team. Chelsea's passion and enthusiasm for Cal and Cal softball continues to shine through. She brings a well thought-out, data driven approach to the game and has a clear vision for the future of the program. I can't wait for her to get started."

Before being named Cal's head coach, Spencer was most recently an assistant coach at both Texas and Oregon. She also spent time as a softball coach at Michigan State and Chabot College.

"I am very excited to return to Berkeley," Spencer said in a statement. "As an alum and a Bay Area native, I have an immense amount of love and pride for this school and region. My experience at Cal was amazing and I can't wait to come home. I want to thank the administration, Jim Knowlton and (associate athletic director) Gordon Bayne for entrusting me to lead this softball program into a new era. Go Bears!"

Spencer now takes over for longtime head coach Diane Ninemire, who stepped down from her position in March after 32 seasons at the program's helm.

Chelsea Spencer Is Ready To Lead New Era Of Cal Softball

After years spent learning from head softball coaches, Chelsea Spencer is ready to lead her own program at Cal.