Northwestern University Athletics
Coaches Corner: Spencer Allen
8/20/2015 11:00:00 AM | Baseball
As the Wildcats turn their attention to the 2015-16 seasons, NUSports.com caught up with the third of three new head coaches starting their first year at the helm, baseball's Spencer Allen. Allen touches on the moment he knew he was destined to be a coach, his first two months in Evanston, his goals for the program and more in this edition of "Coaches Corner."
Who did you admire growing up as a young baseball player?
I was always a big Rickey Henderson fan. I probably tried to model my game after him. And then being in Seattle, I really loved Ken Griffey Jr. as well.
When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
When I found out I wasn't good enough to play professionally (laughs). I probably always had the thought. My mom was a teacher and so I've always had a little bit of that in me, as well. I think probably around my senior year of college, I started to have a good idea.
What drew you to Northwestern?
It's the combination of unbelievable academics and the vision from Dr. Phillips for this athletic department. And then as I got here and looked at it and met all the people, it was a no-brainer for me. Seeing all those best qualities and knowing that I could recruit kids to buy in to what we're doing here, those were the two big things.
What have your first two months on the job been like?
Fun! I think that's the best way to describe it. Having an opportunity to share with kids, assistant coaches, boosters, everyone about the future of the program has been great. Everything from facilities, to sharing what Northwestern University is doing in general, it's all been a lot of fun for me.
How excited are you about the on-going improvements at Rocky Miller Park?
It's very exciting. Obviously it's going to help us in all aspects of our program. I'm very appreciative of the people who have made this happen. It's very exciting just thinking about the future and this is just the start.
Describe the type of student-athlete you seek to bring to Northwestern.
One that's got a mindset to grow academically, socially and athletically. Someone who has obviously put in the work, but also has that open mindset to come on this ride together with us. That's the big thing for me, being open minded.
How would you describe the current state of Big Ten baseball?
It's as strong as ever. On a national scene, I think people are recruiting at a very high level. I think that the coaches that we've got in the league in the league are really, really good. You look at every school and we've got really good coaching. It's a combo too and kids are seeing the benefit of good academics as well as a good baseball conference. I think it's as strong as ever and it's definitely rising as well.
What do you like to do away from the baseball field?
I really enjoy working out with my wife. I like to golf, although I don't get to do it as much as I'd like, but that's ok. Just hanging out with the family.
If you coached a sport other than baseball, what would it be and why?
Definitely football. I love the strategy behind it and the opportunity to get after it like that. You can't beat that sport. We use a lot of hand signals in baseball, so I think if Coach Fitz needs someone to help out on the sidelines to call plays, I can be the guy!
What are your goals for your first year of the program?
Establishing trust is the big one, and getting guys believing in what we're trying to do. I don't want to set any limits or goals, but those are two big things for this program. When you get trust built, the sky is the limit; I think that's goal number one and the only goal.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook and check us out on Instagram. For more information on following specific Northwestern teams online, visit our Social Media page!
Who did you admire growing up as a young baseball player?
I was always a big Rickey Henderson fan. I probably tried to model my game after him. And then being in Seattle, I really loved Ken Griffey Jr. as well.
When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
When I found out I wasn't good enough to play professionally (laughs). I probably always had the thought. My mom was a teacher and so I've always had a little bit of that in me, as well. I think probably around my senior year of college, I started to have a good idea.
What drew you to Northwestern?
It's the combination of unbelievable academics and the vision from Dr. Phillips for this athletic department. And then as I got here and looked at it and met all the people, it was a no-brainer for me. Seeing all those best qualities and knowing that I could recruit kids to buy in to what we're doing here, those were the two big things.
What have your first two months on the job been like?
Fun! I think that's the best way to describe it. Having an opportunity to share with kids, assistant coaches, boosters, everyone about the future of the program has been great. Everything from facilities, to sharing what Northwestern University is doing in general, it's all been a lot of fun for me.
How excited are you about the on-going improvements at Rocky Miller Park?
It's very exciting. Obviously it's going to help us in all aspects of our program. I'm very appreciative of the people who have made this happen. It's very exciting just thinking about the future and this is just the start.
Describe the type of student-athlete you seek to bring to Northwestern.
One that's got a mindset to grow academically, socially and athletically. Someone who has obviously put in the work, but also has that open mindset to come on this ride together with us. That's the big thing for me, being open minded.
How would you describe the current state of Big Ten baseball?
It's as strong as ever. On a national scene, I think people are recruiting at a very high level. I think that the coaches that we've got in the league in the league are really, really good. You look at every school and we've got really good coaching. It's a combo too and kids are seeing the benefit of good academics as well as a good baseball conference. I think it's as strong as ever and it's definitely rising as well.
What do you like to do away from the baseball field?
I really enjoy working out with my wife. I like to golf, although I don't get to do it as much as I'd like, but that's ok. Just hanging out with the family.
If you coached a sport other than baseball, what would it be and why?
Definitely football. I love the strategy behind it and the opportunity to get after it like that. You can't beat that sport. We use a lot of hand signals in baseball, so I think if Coach Fitz needs someone to help out on the sidelines to call plays, I can be the guy!
What are your goals for your first year of the program?
Establishing trust is the big one, and getting guys believing in what we're trying to do. I don't want to set any limits or goals, but those are two big things for this program. When you get trust built, the sky is the limit; I think that's goal number one and the only goal.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook and check us out on Instagram. For more information on following specific Northwestern teams online, visit our Social Media page!
Baseball - 'Cats Ground Redbirds in 7-1 Midweek Victory (5/5/26)
Tuesday, May 05
Baseball - 'Cats Take Series with 9-6 Victory over Hoosiers (5/3/26)
Sunday, May 03
Baseball - 'Cats Even Series with 7-4 Victory over Indiana (5/2/26)
Saturday, May 02
Baseball - 'Cats Power past Milwaukee in 10-8 Midweek Win (4/28/26)
Wednesday, April 29
