Lynn Spagnesi, a beloved Hall of Fame volleyball player and multi-sport trailblazer, passed away on April 19, 2025, at 68.
She pioneered women’s athletics and officiated in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Likewise, she was an assistant women’s basketball coach at SCSU in 1977.
Lynn was a natural athlete and played track and field, basketball, hockey, badminton, and softball at Brien McMahon High School.
She averaged a remarkable 24 points a game during her four years as a varsity basketball player and co-captained her senior year in 1974.
She also started playing volleyball at this time, and in her final year as captain, she guided her team to an undefeated season and third place in the 1972 state championship.
Afterward, Lynn trained in volleyball and basketball under Coaches Louise O’Neal and Louise Albrecht at Southern Connecticut State College.
She continued to excel in competitive volleyball, playing for elite USVBA teams such as the Connecticut Clippers and the New Haven Dippers.
She propelled her teams to three regional championships (1977, 1979, and 1981) and earned the honor of representing the Eastern Zone at the national tournament in Hilo, Hawaii.
As a key player and leader, she faced off against Olympic standouts like Flo Hyman and Debbie Green, cementing her place among the sport’s top competitors.
Her tragic demise saddened the Connecticut sports community; many remembered her in their heartfelt posts.
I was shocked to hear about the passing of a dear agility friend, Lynn Spagnesi. I’ve been reading the tributes from so many people who knew and loved Lynn. I took hundreds of photos of Lynn with her beloved labs over the 20 years I photographed agility trials.
Barry Rosen Photography
Lynn, you will be sorely missed by your hundreds of friends. RIP.
Lynn Spagnesi Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Southern Connecticut State University and the wider athletic community mourn the loss of Lynn Spagnesi, a dedicated coach, mentor, and inspiration to countless student-athletes.
She left a legacy of leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to her teams and family.
Lynn shaped the lives of many athletes with her impactful coaching career at Southern Connecticut State University.
Her perseverance, wisdom, kindness, and contributions extended beyond the field or court, as she emphasized character, teamwork, and academic excellence.
Moreover, her brilliance shone far beyond the court. She was a beloved pillar of the dog agility community for over twenty years.
She became an iconic inspiration at agility trials throughout the Northeast with her trademark warmth, boundless energy, and extraordinary connection with her Labrador retrievers.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lynn was a devoted family woman, a loyal friend, and a respected colleague. Her warmth, humor, and generosity touched everyone who knew her.
Lynn’s brother, Michael Spagnesi, sister-in-law, Karen Spagnesi, nieces Olivia and Rebecca, extended family, close friends, and vast network of athletes, students, and agility enthusiasts survive her.
The Spagnesi family will announce her funeral service and memorial arrangements, inviting the public to honor her memory and support causes aligned with her passions.
The Connecticut sports community mourns the passing of Lynn Spagnesi, a beloved Hall of Fame volleyball player and multi-sport trailblazer, who passed away at the age of 68. Lynn leaves behind a remarkable legacy of athleticism, mentorship, and community spirit that inspired many throughout her life.
Daily Wireline
Known for her joyful energy and deep bond with her Labrador retrievers, Lynn touched the lives of countless athletes and dog lovers, earning a special place in the hearts of those she mentored. Her influence will continue to inspire future generations to compete with heart and live life with joy.
Nonetheless, Lynn Spagnesi’s impact on SCSU and the lives she touched will never be forgotten.
Her spirit lives on in the lessons she taught, the bonds she strengthened, and the love she shared. Rest in peace, Coach Lynn Spagnesi.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lynn Spagnesi led her basketball team to the A.I.A.W. National Tournament’s Elite Eight each year from 1972 to 1976, and led her volleyball team in the 1976 regional tournament, advancing to nationals.
- In 1975, Who’s Who Among College Athletes of America and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities recognized her academic accomplishments.
- She was one of the most impactful student-athletes of her era and earned the prestigious Outstanding College Athletes of America award.
- Barry Rosen Photography captured her image in a widely circulated poster titled “This Is What It’s All About!”
