It was in 2021 after a huge run at the Victorian Milers Club that Melbourne’s Adam Spencer got an offer from the University of Wisconsin that changed his life forever.
Spencer, 24, finished Wesley College in 2019 but lacked a fast enough time in the 1500m or 800m to attract the attention of the best American colleges, so he enrolled at the University of Melbourne.
“I wanted to go to a really good Division 1 school and I was running 3.53 for the 1500m, and 1.52 for the 800m,” he said.
“I probably could have gone to a smaller school, but the setup in Melbourne was really good, so there was no reason for me to leave.
“A year after I finished school it was during the Covid 19 lockdowns I took my training to the next level, and took my time down to 3.45 and the phones started ringing.
“It’s pretty crazy how one race changed my course.”
Spencer got his dream offer and a scholarship to study a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and train in Madison at the University of Wisconsin, starting in August 2021.
Last year he finished his degree including a Business Administration Masters, majoring in Real Estate, and had four years experience running in the NCCA system across America.
He lived and breathed running, living in a house with eight other runners, and experience he said was invaluable.
“We had the time of our lives, it was such good fun,” he said.
“You make a lot of good friends and coaches as well.
“Going through the process with guys your own age is so good, and living in a college town like Madison was such a great experience.
“Everywhere you go, you run into students who go to the same school as you.
“It was unreal.”
The experience running in the NCAA system across the United States is also one he would highly recommend.
“The competition in the NCAA is second to none,” he said.
“You have got the top guys who are making Olympic teams, or will be making Olympic teams in the future, the talent is so deep.
“Even if you’re not quite at that level, there are plenty of races and competitions and opportunities because there are so many different championships.
“You also learn how to race tactically, which is now helping me so much in my professional career.”
It certainly is paying off for Spencer, he just came home with his first International medal, a bronze in the World Indoors last month in Poland.
More than that, he made life long friends and came away with a degree that could be beneficial down the track.
“I’m really fortunate at the moment to be running full time, but that’s not going to last forever,” he said.
“So to have that finance degree I hope is going to be really helpful down the track.”
Australian Athletics will be running a NCAA information session for athletes, parents and coaches in Brisbane on Thursday April 16 as part of the Australian Junior Championships
The session, which starts at 10am in the QAS Lecture Théâtre at QSAC, will cover everything from the NCAA pathway, opportunities and provide key insights to how the system works.
Australian Athletics’ Pathway Program endeavours to support athletes currently in the NCCA with a trajectory towards future international success.
“The NCAA offers a well‑rounded environment for developing athletes, both on and off the track, when it is the right fit for the individual,” Australian Athletics Pathways Transition Manager Adam Didyk said.
“Through the Pathway Transition Program, our focus is on understanding the unique needs of Australian athletes within the NCAA system and working collaboratively to bridge any gaps and support their long‑term progression towards international success.”
Spencer is a huge advocate for the pathways, and encourages everyone – parents, students and coaches – to find out as much information as possible if it’s the right pathway for them.
You never know, it might lead to a world championship medal just like it did for him last month.
He is looking forward to many more.
“I surprised myself in Poland, but at the same time I knew it was possible,” he said.
“It has given me a lot more confidence and I’m excited for more races to come.”
To apply for the NCAA session, do so via link HERE
By Luke Dennehy, Australian Athletics
Posted 4/2/2026
