It seems Darin Spease ’89, deputy athletics director for the Charlotte 49ers, was destined for a sports-focused life and career. Growing up, he played many different sports and knew he wanted to continue to be a player, in college and beyond, even if he wasn’t physically in the game. Now with 25-plus years in the field, no pun intended, he has made a career out of a passion.
Spease, who grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, became a 49er to pursue an undergraduate education through the Belk College of Business.
“I visited many schools in North Carolina, but I left this campus visit knowing this was where I wanted to be,” said Spease. “I remember seeing a bumper sticker that said ‘10,000 and growing,’ and I knew I wanted to be part of this growth.”
While an undergraduate, he participated in the Student Government Association (SGA), which led to connections with the Athletics Department. Mark Colone, who then worked in Athletics but now is the major gifts officer for the College of Arts + Architecture and the Graduate School, encouraged him to work in Athletics, which led to a four-year stint in the Sports Information Office.
“This institution is a place that is accessible to people,” said Spease. “People let you experience all things and open doors. For me, that was through SGA, which led to Athletics.”
Spease continued his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he earned a master’s in education with a concentration in athletic administration. Graduate assistantships in the Athletics Department led to the start of his career at UAB, where he worked until 1998.
That year, through maintained connections with UNC Charlotte, specifically Judy Rose, Spease and his young family returned to the Queen City.
“There was a call to come home, and we frequently visited Charlotte, so the move was an easy decision,” said Spease.
Currently the deputy athletics director, Spease is colloquially known as the “head bean counter,” as he is responsible for the financial affairs of the Charlotte 49ers. He also serves as the principal sport administrator for baseball, volleyball and men’s and women’s golf, and is a member of Athletics Director Mike Hill’s executive staff.
“When I became a 49er, I was a 49er for life,” said Spease. “There’s no place I’d rather work. There are a lot of great campuses, but the reality is, this is my school. This is home for me.”
One of Spease’s favorite accomplishments was being part of the process of bringing two Division I football programs to fruition. First at UAB in 1996, and then to Niner Nation in 2013.
“It’s rare to be able to be part of that process, but to be able to experience it twice, that’s unheard of,” said Spease. “I was more involved with launching UNC Charlotte’s program. I remember it seemed like a dream as a student. Now, it’s like a professional pinnacle.”
The 1988 Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament is a favorite memory, too. UNC Charlotte, the top seed, beat Virginia Commonwealth University to advance to the NCAA championship tournament for the first time since 1977.
Spease looks forward to supporting the growth of the institution and Hill’s tremendous vision—to drive each of the University’s 18 sports to a championship level.
“Student-athletes are why we’re here,” Spease stated. “It’s our responsibility to do things the right way for them.”
Outside of work, Spease enjoys time with his wife, Kathy, and three children, Mason, Morgan and Kasey. He supports their endeavors with great pride. Additionally, he continually supports 49er Athletics and is an active advocate for epilepsy awareness.