Cal Poly Pomona Athletics

Carol Spanks, a true icon in the sport of softball and head coach of the Broncos from 1979 to 1993, built Cal Poly Pomona softball into a national powerhouse at the Division 1 level. During her 15 seasons at the helm, Spanks compiled a remarkable 577-310-6 career record, producing a .649 winning percentage and guiding the Broncos to 11 consecutive postseason appearances from 1979 through 1989.
 
Her teams reached the highest levels of collegiate competition, including two AIAW College World Series appearances and four NCAA Division I Women's College World Series appearances, with three national semifinal finishes. At the time of her retirement, Spanks ranked as the fourth winningest coach in NCAA softball history.
 
Under her leadership, CPP softball flourished both competitively and individually. Nine of her players earned All-America honors, while 16 were named All-Big West First Team, reflecting Spanks's ability to develop elite talent while sustaining long-term program success. The Broncos posted winning records in 12 of her 15 seasons, winning at least 35 games in each of those 12 seasons.
 
Spanks's impact on softball began long before her coaching career. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, she enjoyed a legendary playing career spanning more than two decades. Competing for the Buena Park Kittens, Buena Park Lynx, and the famed Orange Lionettes, Spanks earned ASA All-America honors 13 times across 19 national championship appearances. She was a 10-time first-team selection, starred on four national championship teams, and was named a Pacific Coast Women's League all-star 16 times, leading the league in batting average on five occasions.
 
Her excellence extended to the international stage as well. Spanks served as head coach of Team USA at the 1985 South Pacific Classic and the 1987 Pan American Games, where every team she coached except one captured a gold medal.
 
Spanks's extraordinary contributions to the sport of softball have been recognized with induction into five halls of fame, including the USA Softball Hall of Fame and ASA Hall of Fame in 1981, the NFCA Hall of Fame and Orange County Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Pasadena City College Hall of Fame in 1997. Now, her legacy comes full circle with induction into the Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame, securing her status as one of the greatest coaches in the history of Bronco Athletics and the sport of softball.