Sparks, a forward/midfielder from Lancaster, Ohio, recorded 14 goals and five assists in 22 matches as a senior at Lancaster High School. A four-year varsity letterwinner and two-year captain, she was named to the Ohio Capital Conference First Team and the All-District Third Team as a senior as well as twice being selected for her team’s Best Offensive Player award. Sparks also holds the school record for goals in a match with five.

“I am very happy that Haley has signed to play for the Lady Cougars,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade, who has posted a 134-61-7 overall record in nine seasons with the Lady Cougars. “She is someone who I have had the opportunity to work with in the past and I know that we are getting a solid player with versatility. I can see her coming in and competing both at forward and midfield.”

“Haley has done well in the classroom and that just adds to the confidence I have in her to really excel at the college level,” added Meade. “She has a great personality and will fit in well with the current players. I believe this will be a win-win situation for both Haley and MVNU.”

In addition to playing soccer at Lancaster High School, Sparks has also been involved with club soccer as a member of both the Lancaster Wildcats from 2000-2008 and currently the Mount Vernon Sting. She has also served as the Junior Class Treasurer and is currently a member of Key Club. She has also been inducted into National Honor Society and has earned a Scholar-Athlete award.

“I chose to attend MVNU because I believe it is the right choice for me,” said Sparks. “I enjoy the friendly nature of the people on campus and the overall environment of MVNU. By choosing MVNU, I am also able to further my career as a soccer player.”

MVNU finished the 2008 season with a 16-8-1 overall that included a 9-3-1 mark in the American Mideast Conference. The Lady Cougars have won at least a share of four conference titles in the past six years and have claimed two National Christian College Athletic Association national titles during that span (2003 and 2006).