Following-up on my D2 DIRT from earlier today…Spencer Henke has officially been named as the Interim Head Basketball Coach at St. Leo University. Here’s the announcement from the school:
Saint Leo University Director of Athletics and Wellness and Recreation, Marcal Lazenby has announced the promotion of Spencer Henke as the interim head men’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 season. Henke assumes the lead position of the men’s basketball program following the resignation of former head coach Lance Randall, who was announced as a new assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin last week. With his promotion, Henke becomes the 11th head coach in program history.
“I am humbled and honored to follow Coach Randall as the next head coach of Saint Leo men’s basketball,” said Henke. “I would like to thank Marcal Lazenby and President Dadez along with the entire Saint Leo administration for this opportunity. I would also like to thank Coach Randall for being a mentor to me the past four years and preparing me for this moment.”
Henke first arrived at Saint Leo in the fall of 2020 as a graduate assistant. Following his first season with the Lions, Henke took over as the head assistant coach and director of recruiting. Last November, he was promoted to associate head coach.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the roster we have coming back, as well as the additions we have added through this year’s high school and transfer portal classes,” said Henke. “Saint Leo men’s basketball is a program that it rooted in competitiveness and winning. Today’s era of college basketball is about finding the right puzzle pieces and fitting them together year by year to represent what your program stands for. There is a lot of work to do, but I truly believe we have a lot of really special pieces in place as we head into this next chapter of Saint Leo men’s basketball.”
During his first season on the Lions bench, Henke helped lead the Lions to a Sunshine State Conference tournament title in 2021. Following the title victory, three Lions were named to the All-Tournament team with Frank Webb leading the group as the tournament MVP.
“Saint Leo is a special place filled with special people and I look forward to continuing the collaboration between areas across campus and our program,” explained Henke. “Our program will embody exactly what Community and #OnePride is all about. We are teammates with everyone as we wear the same jersey! I am looking forward to seeing the best fans in the SSC and south region back in Bowman soon. Go Lions!”
In four seasons, Henke’s student-athletes have earned a total of ten All-SSC selections as well as Frank Webb being named the SSC Newcomer of the Year in 2021. The 2022-23 team became just the third team in program history to win 20+ games in a season and set a program record with 13 SSC victories for a second-place finish. On the national level, he has coached one All-Region selection as well as seeing the team earn the team award for NABC honors in 2021-22 and 2022-23 with 13 total selections.
Henke’s been responsible for leading the academic efforts for men’s basketball and has seen his teams achieve a 3.2 or higher every year. Over the years the Lions have recorded more than 100 hours of community service and in 2023-24 they led all Saint Leo athletic teams with 406.45 hours to earn the Community Service award.
“Spencer has shown tremendous growth in leadership since he first arrived on campus in 2020 as a graduate student and I am excited to announce Spencer as the next leader of our basketball program,” said Lazenby. “I have full confidence that Spencer’s leadership will lead this program to great success in this next chapter of Saint Leo men’s basketball.”
Henke is a 2020 graduate of Marquette University in his home state of Wisconsin. The Oshkosh native served as a student manager of the men’s basketball team under the direction of former Marquette head coach, Steve Wojciechowski. He graduated from Marquette with a degree in Exercise Physiology.
In the fall of 2022, he graduated from Saint Leo with a master’s degree in Sports Business.
What They’re Saying About Spencer Henke
“Spencer was born to coach. He has a deep love for the game of basketball and the passion to help the players he serves grow and develop in every way. He made me and our players at Marquette better every day. I have no doubt he will do that for the entire community. A grand slam hire for Saint Leo.”
Steve Wojciehowski
Head Coach – Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League – Utah Jazz)
Former Marquette University head coach (2014-21)
“Spencer Henke is one of the brightest young coaches in the country. He is a great communicator who understands complex x’s and o’s. He is an outstanding communicator, a stellar motivator, and a great human being who cares deeply about his co-workers, his student-athletes, and his community. I cannot imagine a better hire for Saint Leo men’s basketball.”
Lance Randall
Assistant Coach – University of Wisconsin – Madison
Former Saint Leo head coach
“I couldn’t be more excited for Spencer. He is a tireless worker and a winner! Saint Leo is about to enter a special chapter into it’s basketball legacy, with a leader that believes in development, relationships and a relentless pursuit of success in the classroom and on the court.”
Dwayne Killings
Head Coach – University of Albany
Former Marquette University Associate Head Coach (2018-21)
“This is a tremendous hire by Saint Leo University. Spencer is a rising star in our business and will make a tremendous impact on the lives of all who come through the program. His ability to connect and build meaningful relationships will be the glue that takes Saint Leo basketball to new heights. You aren’t just getting a great coach in Spencer, you are getting a CEO, mentor, and elite teammate. I am excited to watch all the great things Spencer gets done as the leader of such a special program.”
Stan Johnson
Head Coach – Loyola Marymount University
Former Marquette University Associate Head Coach (2015-20)
“From my years spent with Spencer he has always been extremely knowledgeable of the game. He’s someone who takes no shortcuts and his drive and continuous growth as a leader, teacher, and now coach shows why he’s in this position now. Spencer was a huge catalyst in helping me take my game to the next level through his commitment, selflessness, and passion not only for the game but also for others. I am super excited to see Spencer in this new role and know that he will bring Saint Leo much success.
Sacar Anim
Guard/Forward – Marquette University (2015-20)
“Saint Leo has made an amazing choice with the hire of Spencer. My guy has been a student of the game for years and has impacted any high-level programs working his way from the bottom up. A leader of the game, follower of Christ and Spencer’s distinct passion for the details of building a strong basketball culture has me excited to see the impact he will continue to impact a place he calls home.”
Theo John
Forward – Marquette University (2017-21)
