Meet a Colleague: Brandon Spalding Brandon Spalding serves as head men's cross country coach and assistant men's track & field coach.

W&L News Office
July 8, 2026

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
I have been at W&L for 13 years.

Q. What is the favorite aspect of your job at W&L?
My favorite aspect of coaching is watching our student-athletes develop over the course of their collegiate careers. As a coach, I have the unique opportunity to see athletes grow from the recruiting process through graduation and into the early stages of their professional careers. Along the way, I get to witness their growth not only as athletes, but also as students, campus leaders and individuals. Building meaningful relationships throughout that journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession. It is especially fulfilling to see those connections continue after graduation, as alumni remain engaged with one another and with the program. Those lasting relationships are a testament to the lifelong impact of the student-athlete experience, extending far beyond competition.

Q. If you chose a different path, what other career would you have?
As a kid, I always wanted to be an ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor, so I think I would have pursued a career in sports journalism.

Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Stuarts Draft, Virginia.

Q. What was your favorite subject in school?
History.

Q. What three words describe you best?
Personable, Trustworthy and Supportive.

Q. Name one person from history you would like to spend a day with and why.
I would enjoy spending a day with Hank Aaron. Ideally, we would watch a baseball game together. I’ve always been a big Atlanta Braves fan, and I would love to hear him describe the game through the lens of his experiences as one of baseball’s greatest players.

Q. Who is the most famous person you have met and where did you meet them?
The most famous person I have met is Emmanuel Macron, the current President of France. In 2018, I had the opportunity to meet him at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., after my late grandfather was awarded the French Legion of Honour, France’s highest and most prestigious order of merit recognizing extraordinary military and civilian service to the nation. My grandfather received the honor in recognition of his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Following the ceremony, President Macron took a few moments to meet with our family, making it a truly memorable and meaningful experience. The occasion was especially significant because it recognized my grandfather’s service and sacrifice in support of our country and our allies.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who litter.

Q. What do you like to do away from work?
Spending time with family and friends.  Attending concerts and sporting events.

Q. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
Independence Day at our family cabin.

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
Cliff jumping in Jamaica.

Q. What is your all-time favorite food or food dish?
A cheeseburger.

Q. Where would you choose to build your dream home?
Anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley.

Q. What is your all-time favorite book?
“Running with the Buffaloes” by Chris Lear.

Q. If you could choose one series to binge-watch, what would it be?
“Longmire.”

Q. What is your all-time favorite movie?
“Good Will Hunting.”

Q. What song or artist could you play on repeat?
Dave Matthews Band.

Q. Anything else you’d like to share?
My wife and I welcomed our son at the end of the spring term! He arrived a little earlier than expected, but everyone is doing well. We are excited to begin this new chapter as a family and can’t wait to bring him to campus events this fall. We look forward to having him grow up surrounded by the supportive W&L campus community.