Oliver Spence Named ECC Co-Rookie of the Year; Earns Third-Team All-Conference Honors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – University of the District of Columbia freshman standout Oliver Spence has been selected as the East Coast Conference Co-Rookie of the Year, becoming the first player in program history to earn Rookie of the Year honors. Spence was also named Third-Team All-Conference, becoming the only freshman in the conference to earn All-Conference honors this season.

Spence turned in an exceptional debut campaign for the Firebirds, appearing in 24 games and making 16 starts. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 53.8 percent from the field.

His impact extended across the conference leaderboard. Spence ranked 13th in the ECC in scoring, 8th in rebounding, 8th in blocked shots, and 4th in field goal percentage — impressive marks for a first-year player competing against veteran talent.

The freshman scored in double figures 16 times this season, including five 20-point performances. His career-high scoring effort came on February 8 against D'Youville, when he poured in 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3 percent from the field).

Most recently, Spence delivered one of the most dominant performances in program history in a road win over Molloy on February 25, recording a career-high 26 rebounds to go along with 24 points. The monster double-double showcased his ability to control the paint and impact both ends of the floor while playing all 40 minutes.

As the only rookie selected to an All-Conference team, Spence's recognition underscores the immediate and sustained impact he made in his first collegiate season. His combination of physicality, efficiency, rim protection, and rebounding presence established him as one of the conference's most complete players.