Southwestern University

Joe Sponsel joined the Southwestern Athletics staff as the head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach in February 2023.

In his first season with the Pirates, Sponsel coached two SCAC Cross Country Male Runners of the Week both being won by Brian Armijo. In 2023 the Pirate men's team finished first out of nine teams at the Southwestern Showdown on their home course. The women finished a highest of fourth at the Southwestern/Concordia Opener in that season. 

In 2024, Sponsel coached the Pirates men to a 3rd place SCAC finish and 17th in the region. He helped one SCAC All-Conference recipient along with the new 8k school record holder. The women finished 4th in the SCAC and 18th in the region as one Pirate earned All-SCAC and took over the 6k record. 

A native of Greenville, Texas, Joe attended Georgetown High School and went on to play soccer for three seasons at Southwestern University before making the switch to running full time for the Pirates. During his junior year in 2013, Joe was named Track and Field All-Conference by finishing 2nd in the steeplechase. Finishing out his senior year, he followed that up with a 4th in the steeplechase, 3rd in the 400m hurdles, 3rd in the 110m hurdles and was named Male Track Athlete of the Year.

Sponsel graduated from Southwestern University with a BA in psychology and then went on to Cal State Fullerton to study Sport/Performance Psychology. He was also a graduate assistant coach for the XC and track & field teams. Joe then returned to Southwestern as a volunteer coach for one season before accepting an assistant coach position at Sewanee, The University of the South where has been coaching XC and Track for the past four and a half years. During all of his travels and various coaching experiences, Joe never stopped following the Pirates XC and track & field teams. He says, "It was an absolute no brainer to come home to Southwestern. I want the team to enjoy working hard together toward meaningful, competitive goals and practice reaching our potential." Joe brings a great passion for running to the program and truly wants to pass that along to his athletes.

"I am overjoyed to welcome back Joe Sponsel, a proud alum of Southwestern University Pirate XC/TF, to our team," says Head Track and Field Coach Kenneth Eboh. "Joe's wealth of knowledge, expert skills, and work ethic will bring tremendous value to our program. What sets him apart, however, is his deep connection to our university and his sincere desire to mentor and support our student-athletes as they develop as athletes and individuals. I have no doubt that his presence will positively impact everyone he interacts with."