2019 / AS A FRESHMAN
- Big Ten Freshman of the Week (Sept. 24)
- Two-Time Big Ten Defender of the Week (Sept. 4, Sept. 24)
- Started all 20 matches and had two goals, 17 shots and eight shots on goal, all fourth-most on the team, with one game-winning goal in 1,856 minutes played
- Played at least 90 minutes in all but one match
- Helped the defense post nine shutouts, Purdue’s most since 2007
- Started both matches in the Big Ten Tournament and played all 90 minutes while shutting out top-seeded and No. 7-ranked Wisconsin in a 1-0 victory on Nov. 3
- Scored the game-winning goal at No. 19 Iowa in a 1-0 victory on Sept. 22, which earned ESPNW Top-10 Plays recognition at No. 5
- Had a season-high five shots, four on goal, at Iowa State on Sept. 1
- Scored a highlight-reel goal at DePaul on Aug. 29, which was named the No. 1 play by ESPNW and NCAA Soccer and the No. 6 play by ESPN’s SportsCenter
- Registered three shots, one on goal, in career debut on Aug. 22 against Georgia
HIGH SCHOOL
- 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 2019 championship game (finalist)
- 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 after being called up for the finals from the U15 team
- 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
- Majoring in marketing
- Parents are David and Karen Sparks
- Has a sister, Taylor
COACH ROFF SAYS
"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."
