SAN DIEGO — Middle blocker BayLea Sparks has been added to the San Diego volleyball roster as a redshirt junior transfer from High Point University, head coach Jennifer Petrie announced on Thursday morning. 

"BayLea is such a wonderful addition to our Torero family," said Petrie. "Her athleticism and work ethic are sure to be a catalyst for our team as we head into a summer of elite competition, and I have no doubt that BayLea will impact our gym in huge ways."

A native of Grand Junction, Colorado, Sparks joins the Torero program after two tremendous seasons competing for the Panthers as she was a Big South First Team All-Conference selection during the 2024 season. Sparks started and played in 28 games for High Point in 2024 as she ranked second on her team in blocks (105), fourth in points (235.5), fifth in kills (178) and led the way in hitting percentage (.393). 

Helping to lead the Panthers to a third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth in 2024, Sparks set a career-high with 13 kills in a home victory over Winthrop and broke the program record in single match blocks with 13 on the road against USC Upstate. Beginning her collegiate career on a high note as well, Sparks was a two-time Big South Freshman of the Week selection and ranked second in the Big South in block average with a 1.07 per game in 2023. Her strong play as a freshman helped her earn a spot on the Big South's All-Conference Second Team as well as All-Freshman Team honors. 

The 6-foot-2 middle blocker attended Fruita Monument High School and competed for United Volleyball Club of the Rockies as a prep athlete. Sparks began playing competitive volleyball at 14 years old and also played soccer before committing full-time to volleyball in high school. She comes from an athletic background as her mother Kelly played collegiate basketball at Trinidad State.

Excelling academically in high school, Sparks accumulated a 4.0 GPA and was named both a Superintendent Scholar and to the 5A All-State Academic Team. Sparks will study finance at USD. 

San Diego Volleyball will begin their 2025 season in August.