From Citrus to Riverside: Jennifer Spalding’s Next Chapter
Former Citrus College Assistant Athletic Director, Kinesiology faculty member, and Women's Water Polo Head Coach, Jennifer Spalding, has been named Dean of Instruction, Kinesiology/Athletic Director at Riverside City College.
During her tenure at Citrus College, Spalding elevated the Women's Water Polo program to new heights, guiding the Owls to six 3C2A SoCal Regional appearances in eight seasons. In her debut season in 2016, she led the team to a 23-11 record, ending a decade-long postseason drought. Three years later, her 2019 squad set a program record with 28 victories.
Spalding concluded her coaching career following the 2024 season as the winningest coach in Citrus College Women's Water Polo history, amassing 141 wins and the highest winning percentage in program history. A two-time Western State Conference Coach of the Year (2017, 2019), she mentored 59 All-Conference honorees and six All-Americans, while also helping numerous student-athletes continue their playing careers at four-year universities and achieve their academic goals.
After stepping down as head coach, Spalding transitioned into administration, serving as Assistant Athletic Director. In that role, she excelled in student-athlete support, including eligibility compliance, athletic event coordination, and promoting student-athlete achievements.
Her new position at Riverside City College marks a homecoming. Spalding began her collegiate water polo career at RCC, where she starred as an All-American goalie and led the Tigers to back-to-back State Championship appearances. She was named Conference Player of the Year and earned All-State honors before completing her collegiate career at the University of California, Irvine.
Reflecting on her time at Citrus College, Spalding shared a message with her colleagues:
"Whether it was through teamwork, shared laughs, or the support you've shown me over the years, I am truly grateful to have been a part of this family. You all have shaped my experience here in ways I'll never forget."
