Dianne Spangler - Outstanding Coach

It seems fitting that after having two of her teams and three of her athletes inducted into the Glendale College Athletic Hall of Fame, Dianne Spangler would get the nod herself as a member of the class of 2016 as Outstanding Coach.

Making no effort to contain her excitement about the honor, Spangler has thrown herself into the process much like how she competed as an athlete and led as a coach. She has left no stone unturned in making sure that everyone that has mattered in her life is able to attend the ceremony to share the moment with heron Oct. 8, preparing for this occasion just like a coach prepares for a game.

Forty years ago in 1976, Spangler got a call from former GCC HOF inductee Virginia Manker about a coaching opportunity at GCC and over the next 15 years until 1991, she coached women’s cross country, track and volleyball to great success and spent 35 years at the college teaching physical education and health. She had been a tremendous athlete at Glendale High, GCC and as an amateur athlete before she started coaching volleyball at Hoover High.

She has stood by proudly as Donna Mayhew in 2002, the 1977 women’s cross country team in 2003, Julie Flynn in 2004, the 1978 women’s volleyball team in2009 and Angela Collins in 2011 have been inducted into the HOF. All have said that without a doubt, they would not have received their honor without the guidance and dedication of Spangler.

“I came to Glendale College with the ability to play the game of volleyball. Coach Spangler took it to another level for me. She taught me how to be the best setter, both physically and mentally, I could be,’’ said 2011HOF inductee Angela Collins. “Her teaching led me to a very successful volleyball career at Cal State Northridge, an NCAA Division II National Championship and many other accomplishments, both individual and team. Her knowledge of the game and passion for coaching is why she has been so successful over the years.’’