Spencer was born and raised in Ladysmith, on Vancouver Island. Growing up, she excelled in both academics and athletics, which led her to Brentwood College School, and then a full ride scholarship for rowing at Indiana University - Bloomington, where she competed at the NCAA Division 1 level in rowing. Spencer is currently Rowing Coordinator and Multi Sport Coach at Brentwood College School, and has been coaching summers at Gorge Narrows Rowing Club since 2021.