Brad Sparks, Nevada Union Head Football Coach

What this episode covers

Host Hollie Grimaldi Flores leads our exploration into the world of high school football. Bradley Sparks played and began coaching football at Marysville High School where, in 1995, he was handed a whistle and a hat and became the school's Freshman team coach. Following a number of advances in his coaching career, he came to coach at Nevada Union in 2011 under then Head Coach Dave Humphers, and became NU’s Head Coach in 2018. Brad observes that fewer kids are playing sports now than in the past, but those who do participate in sports seem to be more rounded in their development. The loss of games due to Covid frustrated everyone involved in school sports, but Brad has observed that the student athletes push through the adversity with more resilience than many adults. A hallmark of his work is assuring that his players are actively involved in their community and giving back through a variety of relationships and activities, from distributing firewood to seniors to providing logistical support for nonprofits. Brad invites everyone in the community to come fill the stands for games to support land inspire kids to strive and succeed.

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.