South Raleigh News

NC State softball head coach Lindsay Leftwich announced Thursday that Ali Newland and Regan Spencer have joined the program as graduate managers.

Newland was a standout athlete at LSU, playing primarily catcher and left field. She earned several accolades throughout her career, including the 2024 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll, three-time SEC Community Service Team, two-time SEC First-Team, two-time Academic All-American, and All-District. She was also twice tabbed the Female Volunteer of the Year at the Mikey Awards. Newland was also a nominee for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year.

Throughout her career, she appeared in 200 games and tallied 166 hits, 122 RBIs, and 104 runs. While in Raleigh, she will focus on player development, video coordination, and recruiting media.

"Ali brings a knowledge base and desire to learn that allowed her to find great success as a player and will help our team in a variety of ways. Her approach to never being outworked is showcased in her favorite compliment, being a blue-collar kid, and it will push our Pack to be the best it can be. Ali represents our WOLF traits well, but the way she will love and fight for the Pack makes L for love the most fitting. Her production and media skills will contribute to recruiting efforts while enhancing staff and player development through film study."

Spencer spent her collegiate career at Clemson, finishing with a 28-6 record in the circle. She earned several accolades throughout her time, including a three-time ACC Honor Roll member, two-time All-ACC Academic Team, NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete, and was a member of the 2024 All-ACC Second Team.

Spencer finished her career with a 1.57 ERA after throwing 250 innings, claiming the top spot in the Tigers' record book. While with the Pack, she will focus on player development, pitching data/analytics, and the bullpen.

"As an integral part of Clemson's first pitching staff," Leftwich stated about Spencer's contributions "Regan understands the hard work needed to build a program from the ground up. She has seen the benefits of applying high-level technology to everyday training; this experience will elevate our processes in the bullpen. Her loyalty and passion for her team stand out instantly and will make her a valuable addition to our staff." Leftwich added: "Regan embodies all of our WOLF traits but W for work stands out most. She was and will continue to be a fierce competitor; her joyful demeanor allows her to impact us in multiple ways. As a North Carolina native," concluded Leftwich "she knows what Wolfpack means to this state; she will continue helping propel us forward."