A native of Newberry, Phil Spotts has left his mark on Newberry and Newberry College throughout his lifetime.
An all-state basketball player at Newberry High School, also aided the Bulldogs on the track before heading to the University of South Carolina to begin his collegiate career as part of the track team and the men's basketball team. A hurdler for the Gamecocks, Spotts helped lead South Carolina to a victory over Clemson his freshman season with a third place finish in the 120-yard high hurdles.
After transferring from South Carolina, Spotts returned home to Newberry and became an important part of the Indians men's basketball team. Upon arriving at Newberry as a junior, Phil averaged 18 points per game as a forward.
Spotts was handed a position change for his senior season as the newly minted team captain was moved to guard. Phil averaged 10 points his senior year, but netted a career high 31 points against Parris Island.
A former member o f the Block “N” Club, the Day Students Club and Activities Council, Phil graduated from Newberry in 1956.
Phil has been a member of the Newberry Lettermen's Club since it started in the 1970s and has served on the board of directors multiple times. A member of the Athletic Club for over 50 years, Phil served on the Athletic Club Board during portions of his time with the Athletic Club.
Fresh out of college Phil joined the United States Marine Corps and served the United States of America.
Phil eventually passed on basketball knowledge as a high school coach at both Saluda and Chester. Newberry eventually drew Phil back to its campus, where he served as interim director of athletics during the 1999-2000 school year.
Spotts received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Newberry College in 2010 and currently serves on the Board of President's Club. A member of the Newberry Rotary Club, Phil also serves on the Board of Directors for the Newberry Opera House, Newberry Chamber of Commerce and Newberry Investing in Children's Education.
