Cassville senior Lauren Sparkman is continuing the family trend of signing for a collegiate athletic scholarship, as she penned her name recently to a letter of intent to play softball at Evangel University in Springfield.

Sparkman, whose sister Samantha signed to cheer at Drury University in Springfield in 2022, said her faith played a major role in choosing to play for the Valor.

“My religion [was a big factor],” she said. ‘I felt uplifted there, and the campus is beautiful, and they have a kind coaching staff.”

Sparkman said she’s most excited to join the team in the fall and experience a new group.

“I’m excited for the team environment and the boding the team does, like their ‘souled out’ devotionals, prayer groups and trips,” Sparkman said.

In her junior year, Sparkman played a major role in the Lady Wildcats winning their first ever district title. Last fall, Cassville came up just short in a 13-inning thriller for the championship.

“Winning districts is my favorite memory,” she said.

Sparkman said other athletes looking o play a sport collegiately should always be looking for a challenge if they want to find success.

“Never be scared of competition,” she said.

Sparkman is the daughter of Gamon Sparkman and the late Shelley Sparkman, of Cassville. She plans to major in pre-physical therapy.