Spalding Named Head Women’s Aquatic Coach

Glendora, CA - The Citrus College Athletics Department is pleased to announce that Jennifer Spalding has been hired on as a full-time faculty member of the Citrus College Kinesiology Department and as the Head Women's Water Polo and Swim Coach. 

 "Citrus has a great track record of how well they take care of their athletes," Spalding said. "The transfer rate is amazing, and the resources that the student-athletes have access to at Citrus leads to success."

Spalding comes to Citrus after spending the last four seasons as the Head Women's Water Polo and two seasons as the Head Women's Swim Coach at nearby Chaffey College. In water polo, Spalding led the Panthers to a 77-46 overall record and 32-10 conference record, including guiding Chaffey to the 2014 South Coast Conference Championship. Prior to taking over the head coaching duties, Spalding spent nearly a decade as an assistant at Chaffey for legendary aquatics coach Jim Dopf.

"My long term goals for the program are to have all my student-athletes transfer out in two years, to be a very consistent team, to win conference every year, and to qualify for make regionals and go to state," Spalding said. "I know all the community colleges know who Citrus is when it comes to their aquatics programs."

Coach Spalding began her collegiate playing career playing for Coach Dopf at Riverside City College. An All-American goalie, Spalding held take the Tigers to the State Championships both of her seasons in goal, and was named the Conference Player of the Year and an All-State selection. After Riverside, Spalding transferred to the University of California Irvine, where she finished out her collegiate career.

"I would like to thank my husband for his love, ongoing support, advice, and for being my rock. I want to give thanks to my children, Noah and Lily for always being my cheerleaders and the reason why I do what I do everyday. Next, my family and friends who has always supported with everything I do," Spalding said. "Coach Dopf has made such an impact on my life. He was my community college coach, and I had the pleasure of coaching with him for many years. Dopf has taught me many things as a coach and I'm truly thankful for everything he has done for me."

In addition to her time at Chaffey, Spalding has spent time as a coach at Don Lugo and Norte Dame High Schools as well as in the club scene at Arlington, Riverside, and Foothill Water Polo Clubs. 

"Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to our department on both the teaching and coaching fronts," said Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics Jody Wise. "We are fortunate to have a coach of her caliber and abilities become a member of our faculty and staff."