With the 2019 Purdue women's soccer season around the corner, get to know the incoming freshman class with our second edition of Meet the Newcomers: Sydney Sparks.
Sydney Sparks
Position: Center Back
Height: 5-11
Hometown: Carlsbad, Calif.
High School: Cathedral Catholic
Club Team: San Diego Surf
Accomplishments
Personal
Major: Management
Parents: David and Karen Sparks
Sibling: Taylor Sparks
Favorite song to listen to before a game: I Like It by Cardi B
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Favorite food: Sushi
Hobby: Photography
Why Purdue?
"I was attracted to this team because of the amazing coaching staff and talent on this team. I love their passion for the sport and their love for the game."
Coach Roff's Thoughts
"Sydney brings a physical presence, excellent technical ability, and a high soccer IQ to the center back position. Her ability to shut down attacking players individually is outstanding, and she also has a great understanding of how to organize and lead a back four. At 5'11, she is dominant in the air defensively, as well as a consistent threat in the attack by getting on the end of corners and free kicks. She is also very comfortable on the ball and will be a key factor in our ability to build out of the back. Sydney has all of the tools to be an elite center back in the Big Ten Conference, and she is a great fit for how we want to play. We look forward to Sydney making a big impact on our program early in her career."
Sydney Sparks
Position: Center Back
Height: 5-11
Hometown: Carlsbad, Calif.
High School: Cathedral Catholic
Club Team: San Diego Surf
Accomplishments
- Ranked the No. 20 recruit in the state of California and No. 149 in the nation
- A three-star Top Drawer Soccer recruit
- Joined Julia Ware (2018) and Sarah Clark (2017) as an incoming center backs who competed in her club team's national championship
- Advanced to the United States Development Academy championship game.
- Also helped the San Diego Surf to a U16 and U17 playoff berth
- 2017 US Youth Soccer ODP Region IV Championships All-Tournament Team honoree
- Led her U15 team to an ECNL Western League Championship title and quarterfinalist status
- Participated in the Elite Clubs National League Player Development Program (PDP) from 2016-17
- Was an ECNL U17 National Finalist in 2016, helping the team to a third-place finish
- Was a 2016 National ODP Champion and member of the ODP Championship Best XI
- Helped Cathedral Catholic varsity team to a conference title in 2015 and 2016
- Led Cathedral Catholic to the 2015 state champion title
- Played for the US Futsal 2015 national championship
- Earned a 4.0 GPA for three consecutive years
Personal
Major: Management
Parents: David and Karen Sparks
Sibling: Taylor Sparks
Favorite song to listen to before a game: I Like It by Cardi B
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Favorite food: Sushi
Hobby: Photography
Why Purdue?
"I was attracted to this team because of the amazing coaching staff and talent on this team. I love their passion for the sport and their love for the game."
Coach Roff's Thoughts
"Sydney brings a physical presence, excellent technical ability, and a high soccer IQ to the center back position. Her ability to shut down attacking players individually is outstanding, and she also has a great understanding of how to organize and lead a back four. At 5'11, she is dominant in the air defensively, as well as a consistent threat in the attack by getting on the end of corners and free kicks. She is also very comfortable on the ball and will be a key factor in our ability to build out of the back. Sydney has all of the tools to be an elite center back in the Big Ten Conference, and she is a great fit for how we want to play. We look forward to Sydney making a big impact on our program early in her career."