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Preston Spradlin, Class of ’09

by Hannah Radosevich, Student Contributor

Alice Lloyd College alumnus Preston Spradlin‘s rise through the ranks of the University of Kentucky’s sports staff serves as an excellent example of the incredible work ethic that the College’s student-athletes acquire while on campus.

Spradlin, a native of Stanville, Kentucky, graduated from Betsy Layne High School in 2005. During his four years at ALC, he was a shooting guard for the Eagles basketball team. After graduating in 2009 with a bachelor of arts degree in History, he married classmate Misty Tackett. Spradlin, a Caney Scholar, moved with his new wife into Alice Lloyd’s Caney Cottage, a dormitory facility adjacent to the University of Kentucky campus, so that he could pursue a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion with an emphasis in sports leadership.
 
Spradlin began working for the University of Kentucky as a graduate assistant and video coordinator shortly after his arrival on campus. As he worked at summer basketball camps, he made lasting relationships with people throughout the state, a fact that he says contributed to his success at UK. Currently, Spradlin serves as the university’s Assistant Director of Basketball Operations under head coach John Calipari, a job highly coveted in the world of college basketball.

“I take great pride in being the only native Kentuckian on staff,” Spradlin said. “Like most kids in eastern Kentucky, I grew up being a fan of Kentucky basketball. I take great honor in keeping the tradition of UK basketball alive and in representing the Commonwealth everywhere I go.”

When asked what was the biggest thing Alice Lloyd College prepared him for in his chosen career, Spradlin replied, “Work! At ALC that is one of the most important things that you learn from day one — to be mature and responsible enough to balance your academics, athletics, work responsibilities and social life all while working towards your degree and the goals that you have beyond graduation.”

His favorite memories since becoming a part of the UK basketball program are winning the 2012 National Championship in New Orleans and meeting President Barack Obama shortly thereafter.

In 2012, Spradlin added another highlight to his life as he and his wife welcomed a baby boy named Bentley Scott.

As UK welcomed the top recruiting class of the 2013-14 season, it remains to be seen what other unique and exciting experiences Spradlin will have in his young career.

Alice Lloyd College is always looking for stories about our alumni! If you have a story to tell, or if you know an alumna or alumnus who has received an award, published an article, book, or influential research, or has accomplished something noteworthy, please let us know by visiting this page.