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NCAAW Vet passes away
Bonita Spence, 51, was 27-year vet
Updated: September 17, 2013, 3:57 PM ET Associated Press Bonita Spence, a longtime women's basketball official who worked two Finals Fours and refereed for 10 years in the WNBA, has died. She was 51. She died Sunday, the NCAA said. The governing body on Tuesday did not immediately release further details. Spence worked every NCAA women's tournament since 2000, including the Final Four in 2001 and 2005. She officiated for 27 years, handling games in the Big East, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. Spence also refereed in the WNBA from 1999-2009. "I had personally known Bonita since high school and had always admired her integrity and spirit," Anucha Browne, the NCAA's vice president for women's basketball, said in a statement. "Her longtime officiating career, numerous NCAA championships and her mentoring of many young officials will help carry her legacy forward in the game." Spence played at Monmouth and was the point guard on the school's first Division I team in 1982. She set the school's assist record that season, a mark that was matched a year later and still stands. Spence was a graduate assistant for the school a year later. "Lost a good official today," Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma tweeted Monday night. "Lost an even better person." Spence also worked as a principal investigator in the New Jersey office of the public defender in Newark for more than 20 years. My condolences to her family,friends,and colleagues. |
I'm stunned.
I saw Bonita at the Big East/AAC/SAWBO camp in July and got my usual shake of the head when I kicked a call. I always laughed with her about it because the head shakes came fewer and further between as time went on. I was one of many people lucky enough to be on a conference call with her last Wednesday night. She was among the officials spearheading a study group for NCAAW officials to help all of us improve. Tonight is supposed to be the first in-person meeting. I'm stunned. |
One of the best partners I ever worked with. Such a class act and wonderful person. RIP.
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Too young.
Peace |
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