Feature: Ali Sparks Leaves Lasting Legacy in Hometown
6/10/2026 12:33:00 PM | Women's Track and Field
Ali Sparks has more reason than most Mastodon alumni to watch out for school record graphics on social media.
Those could be her records Mastodons are breaking.
Sparks graduated in 2026 as the track and field throws program's most decorated athlete, having finished her Mastodon career with a record seven Horizon League championships. She won titles in the hammer throw, shotput and weight throw and in 2024 was named the Horizon League Indoor Championships Most Outstanding Performer for Field Events.
The program's recent climb up the Horizon League Championship standings owes much to Sparks, who was initially hesitant about enrolling at Purdue Fort Wayne.
The Carroll High School graduate wanted to stay close to home, but Purdue Fort Wayne seemed a little too close. Sparks considered offers from other Midwestern schools before choosing the Mastodons.
“I didn't expect to fall in love with the school as much as I did,” Sparks said.
Sparks made the most of her four years as a Mastodon. She graduated in 2026 with a business management degree which she plans to use to start her own dog grooming business. She met her fiancé Jacob, as well as teammates who became friends she’ll have for the rest of her life. Purdue Fort Wayne’s impact on Sparks is clear. But that impact is a two-way street. Sparks left behind a legacy as the program’s most decorated athlete. Her contributions helped the Mastodons rise multiple spots in the team rankings at the Horizon League Championships.
But don’t think it was easy. Developing her skills and techniques was a daily process. College was the first time she ever competed in the hammer throw, eventually finishing with three league titles in the event.
“There was a lot of work, and frustration, with my technique in the hammer,” Sparks said. “I had only thrown shot and discus (prior to Purdue Fort Wayne). So hammer was something I worked at since my freshman year. Coach Sean (Magnuson) was great in teaching technique and fixing whatever needed to be fixed.”
Sparks graduated with school records in the hammer throw, weight throw and shotput but records were never her focus. Her goal was to push her marks further and further. Coaches and teammates could see her dedication in practice and the weight room. But that dedication went beyond training. Sparks admits reaching her athletic goals were always on her mind, even when not in competition.
“It takes up a lot of mental space,” Sparks said. “I learned a new technique for shot (at Purdue Fort Wayne). I did drills outside of practice trying to get my steps right and it could be mentally taxing. Sometimes I’d be dog grooming thinking ‘what can I do differently’ or ‘what can I do better?’.”
Sparks looks back on her the summer after her freshman season being key to her successful career. Her sophomore year of 2023-24 season saw Sparks win the first league titles of her career, winning indoor shotput and outdoor hammer as well as taking runner-up in indoor weight throw.
“I did a lot of drill work that summer really working on what I learned my freshman year.” Sparks said. “I came back sophomore year a lot better and a lot more comfortable with myself in the ring.”
Magnuson recalled a team meal the night before Sparks’ breakout performance at the 2024 Horizon League Indoor Championships.
“I pulled her aside (at the dinner) and told her I believed something big was going to happen, but to just enjoy it all and everything else will just happen,” Magnuson said. “She PR’d and placed second in the weight throw, both were not expected. On day two she had the round six magic and won the shot title. That day gave her the confidence to know she could be one of the best throwers.”
Sparks credits not only coaching, but also the support she received along the way in her collegiate journey.
“As a throws group, we supported and pushed each other,” Sparks said. “It was cool to see everyone grow from freshman year.”
Magnuson saw firsthand the impact the throws group had on each other, and it started with Sparks.
“Ali’s success was due to her wanting to outwork everyone in the room,” Magnuson said. “She was doing this for more than just herself. She led by example and created a successful culture amongst the throwers.”
Future Mastodons will now be chasing Sparks’ records, and she admits she will be keeping an eye on track and field team’s social media.
“I like knowing the program is getting better and better and girls are throwing further,” Sparks said. “I think it would be cool if someone broke my records. I mean, I’d be a little sad, but I’d text them and say good job. I think that is healthy. You should want things pushed further and further.”
For those looking to follow in Sparks’ footsteps, her main advice is to keep trying new things. Despite coming from a family of successful collegiate throwers, Sparks also played volleyball until her senior year before deciding to focus on throws.
“Come in with an open mind and be willing to work hard,” Sparks said of her advice to incoming athletes. “Adapt to things, don’t get too comfortable. Be open to making lots of friends. Friends help you in college.”
Those friends have already been in her ear about continuing to throw after college. She has already looked into the USA Track & Field Masters program and other post college competitive opportunities.
“I think it would be fun to do,” Sparks said of throwing after college. “I definitely am not ready to let it go forever.”
For now Sparks is house hunting with her fiancé and focusing on her upcoming wedding as she continues to dog groom.
“I’m excited for the next chapter of my life.” Sparks said. “College was fun, and I’m sad it is closing, but there is a lot to look forward to.”
