BETHLEHEM, Pa. - One of the most influential and decorated coaches in Lehigh Valley history won’t be coaching this basketball season because of a cancer diagnosis.
Mary Beth Spirk, who has coached women’s basketball at Moravian University for 37 years, also is the Bethlehem school’s athletic director.
The university made the announcement on its website and social media just a few days before the Lady Greyhounds are to tip off their 2024-25 season Monday against Immaculata at Johnston Hall in Bethlehem.
Moravian provided no further details of Spirk’s cancer diagnosis.
“Coach Spirk remains dedicated to the team and the program and is hopeful for a return later this season,” said a university statement.
“Our thoughts and support are with Coach Spirk and her family during this challenging time. We ask that her privacy be respected, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the bench when she is ready.”
“Coach Spirk remains dedicated to the team and the program and is hopeful for a return later this season.”Moravian University athletics statement
Assistant Coach Kelly Anthony Fallara, a DeSales University alum, will serve as acting head coach.
The record books
Spirk, 65, is a giant figure at Moravian and in Lehigh Valley sports. She is one of the most successful active coaches in NCAA Division III athletics.
She ranks ninth in wins among active NCAA Division III coaches and 21st in total victories in Division III history. Her career record stands at 648 wins and 345 losses.
Spirk’s imprint on the program is evident in the banners that decorate the Johnston Hall gymnasium.
She has coached Moravian to seven Middle Atlantic Southeast titles, three Middle Atlantic South Championships, two Middle Atlantic Conference crowns, nine NCAA bids, three Sweet 16 appearances, an ECAC Championship in 2007, and most recently, the 2010 Landmark Conference Championship in 2019.
She surpassed the 600-win milestone in 2019 with a win over rival Muhlenberg College.
Magical season
She has coached 24 1,000-point scorers, 15 All-Americans, numerous All-Conference players, and a National Player of the Year in Kathy Beck, a Palmerton grad.
Beck was a senior during the 1991-92 season – the most successful season ever for Spirk and Moravian. The team went 31-2, hosted the Final Four and lost in the national championship game to Alma College.
Spirk was named the Women's Basketball Coaches Association National Coach of the Year. She’s a 10-time Conference Coach of the Year.
According to the university, Spirk has been instrumental in helping Moravian lead NCAA Division III in fundraising for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund over the last 16 years. The Greyhounds have raised more than $233,118, and have led Division III in Play4Kay each year since 2009.
This season’s Play4Kay game is set for Saturday, Feb. 22, against Juniata College at Johnston Hall.
Spirk is a 1981 graduate of Dickinson College.
