Emily Sparks

Iowa City, Iowa, native Emily Sparks joined the Hawkeye volleyball program on March 2, 2016. Sparks serves as the director of operations.

Sparks joined the staff after two years as a staff member in the Iowa Athletic Department. She served as a learning assistant for Academic Services, a sports operations coordinator, and spent time working with the event management team since June of 2014.

The Iowa City High School graduate earned her Bachelor of Science degree in exercise studies from Upper Iowa University in May 2013. She received her Master of Science degree in sport management from Western Illinois University in December 2014.

“Having been born and raised here in Iowa City, I grew up a lifelong Hawkeye fan,” said Sparks. “It has always been a goal of mine to return home and work for the University of Iowa Athletic Department, so I am very excited for this opportunity.

“The volleyball staff is incredible, and having a chance to be a part of this team is like a dream come true. I believe in this program, and I look forward to what the future has in store for us.”

Sparks played collegiate volleyball at Upper Iowa University from 2009-2013. She is a three-time Northern Sun Conference All-Academic Team selection (2010-12), and a Northern Sun Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award recipient (2013).

Sparks lives in Iowa City, Iowa, with her husband, Ethan Bachinski, and son, Calvin.