Sam Spadaro has been appointed the new head coach of the Bard College Women’s Basketball program, effective June 1. The announcement underscores Bard’s intention to deepen the integration of athletic competition with its liberal‑arts mission, positioning the program for continued growth on and off the court.
A Coach With a Proven Track Record
Spadaro’s coaching résumé includes three years as an assistant at The College of Staten Island, where she oversaw scouting, recruiting, and guard development, and a subsequent role at Colby College that involved practice planning, film analysis, and the implementation of defensive schemes that placed the team among the nation’s top defensive units. Under her guidance, the team reached the conference playoffs and upset a higher‑seeded opponent in the quarterfinals, a testament to her strategic acumen.
At Colby, she worked closely with guard Kate Olenik, an NESCAC all‑conference player, refining her technique through individualized film sessions and player‑development drills. The experience culminated in the emergence of All‑Conference and All‑MET talent Jenalyse Alarcon, who thrived under Spadaro’s mentorship during the 2022‑23 and 2023‑24 seasons.
Vision Aligned With Bard's Mission
Spadaro expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, citing Bard’s reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to fostering personal growth through sport. She emphasized that her coaching philosophy centers on holistic development, blending rigorous tactical preparation with the intellectual curiosity that defines a Bard education.
Director of Athletics Stefanie Carrington praised Spadaro’s preparation, organization, and professionalism, noting that her vision dovetails with the college’s broader goals. Chenel Harris, Head Coach at Colby, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Spadaro’s work ethic and readiness to lead a program of her own.
Spadaro’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College and a Master’s in Sport Business from Temple University, where she served as a graduate manager for the women’s basketball team. These experiences have equipped her with a nuanced understanding of both the technical and administrative facets of collegiate athletics.
The upcoming transition will see Spadaro relocate to Annandale‑on‑Hudson, where she will begin shaping the next chapter of Bard women’s basketball. The college community anticipates that her blend of strategic insight, player‑focused development, and academic alignment will elevate the program’s competitive edge while reinforcing its educational values.