Joanne Spalding, Ph.D begins her sixth season as an assistant coach for the Georgia College & State University women's soccer team. She will serve as head of player performance this season.
Spalding joined the Bobcats after working at Division I East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, as an assistant coach for eight seasons. In her first season at ETSU, Spalding helped the Bucs to a 15-6 overall record including a 9-2 record in conference play. The 15 wins was the most in program history. Spalding assisted the Bucs offense that led the NCAA in scoring, goals and assists.
Prior to her time at ETSU, she was an assistant at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, from 2008-13. Spalding helped lead the Cougars to four consecutive seasons of 12 or more victories (2010-13). In 2010, Averett won a program-best 13 matches en route to advancing to the program's first ever USA South Conference Tournament championship game appearance. In 2012, Spalding was an integral part of Averett's first ever USA South Conference title, helping guide the Cougars to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
Spalding enjoyed a successful playing career while at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, starting all four years, in addition to serving as team captain for two seasons. Prior to attending NSU, Spalding attended the National Women's Football Academy in Durham, England.
A native of Erskine, Scotland, Spalding graduated with honors from Northeastern State in 2008 with a degree in health and human performance, and a minor in psychology. Spalding earned her master of business degree from Averett in 2010 and a PhD in sport physiology and Performance at ETSU in 2020.
(updated July 2026)
