Photo by: Evan Pilat/Texas A&M Athletics
Get to Know: Grace Sparks
Nov 03, 2025 | Softball
Senior pitcher Grace Sparks returns for the 2026 season. The Dayton, Texas, native, appeared in 19 games for Texas A&M, including 10 as a starter, finishing the 2025 season with an 8-1 record, tallying a 3.43 ERA in 49.0 innings.
Get to know one of the returning Aggies below…
How was your initial adjustment to Texas A&M last season and how did you adapt?
"It was kind of hard at first, and I still call my parents every now and then because no matter how old I get, I still need their help. But it was super easy with everyone here providing so many resources to help. Being able to lean on them made the transition a lot easier."
What has been your favorite thing about being an Aggie so far?
"It's hard to pick just one thing. The 12th Man—just looking up in the stands—you can't get that kind of environment anywhere else. It's what makes Texas A&M so unique."
What is your favorite Aggie tradition?
"The Aggie Ring. I think it's so cool, and I'm excited to get mine next year."
What are your expectations heading into this season?
"We've set our standards higher this year than last season. This year is nothing like last year. We're working harder both physically and mentally, the team is bonding more, and the future is set up for greatness."
How does it feel to play softball back in Texas after transferring from an out-of-state university last season?
"It's everything I hoped for. I transferred to be closer to my family since they've sacrificed so much for me growing up to play this sport. I want them to see how their sacrifices paid off and how proud I am to be an Aggie. It makes a big difference knowing the people I love are in the stands watching me."
What is your favorite thing about game days?
"Getting the crowd going. Starting with the War Hymn and hearing everyone cheer really gets the blood pumping. It's an out-of-body experience to see and feel that energy, and to have everyone give it right back to you—it's crazy."
If you could describe your pitching style in one word, what would it be?
"Unique. I've worked really hard and still have a lot to improve on. It's all part of the learning curve—getting better every day."
What is it like to work with Coach Ford and the pitching staff?
"Our pitching staff is so diverse. We have so many different personalities, spins, pitches and fundamentals, which is great. But it's also our personalities—being a little crazy, working hard and keeping each other accountable—that make it special. Coach Ford is like our mom. She pats us on the hand when we need to lock in, but she also celebrates us, and that's something not every coach does."
Do you have any pregame superstitions?
"I pray and usually listen to the same artists on game days. It's a mix of Moneybagg and some rock like Nickelback. And we always have to play hacky before the game."
Who hypes you up the most before you step into the circle?
"My teammates. They support me like no one else, and we all lift each other up when it's our turn to compete. Especially my pitchers—they know what we go through, how hard we work, and it's nice to see all that effort pay off."
If you could take a teammate back in time with you to any historical period, who and where would it be?
"DeeDee Baldwin and I are going back to watch the gladiator games in Rome. We're both into that kind of stuff, and it would be so interesting to see. We'd probably be going crazy watching something like that."
Get to know one of the returning Aggies below…
How was your initial adjustment to Texas A&M last season and how did you adapt?
"It was kind of hard at first, and I still call my parents every now and then because no matter how old I get, I still need their help. But it was super easy with everyone here providing so many resources to help. Being able to lean on them made the transition a lot easier."
What has been your favorite thing about being an Aggie so far?
"It's hard to pick just one thing. The 12th Man—just looking up in the stands—you can't get that kind of environment anywhere else. It's what makes Texas A&M so unique."
What is your favorite Aggie tradition?
"The Aggie Ring. I think it's so cool, and I'm excited to get mine next year."
What are your expectations heading into this season?
"We've set our standards higher this year than last season. This year is nothing like last year. We're working harder both physically and mentally, the team is bonding more, and the future is set up for greatness."
How does it feel to play softball back in Texas after transferring from an out-of-state university last season?
"It's everything I hoped for. I transferred to be closer to my family since they've sacrificed so much for me growing up to play this sport. I want them to see how their sacrifices paid off and how proud I am to be an Aggie. It makes a big difference knowing the people I love are in the stands watching me."
What is your favorite thing about game days?
"Getting the crowd going. Starting with the War Hymn and hearing everyone cheer really gets the blood pumping. It's an out-of-body experience to see and feel that energy, and to have everyone give it right back to you—it's crazy."
If you could describe your pitching style in one word, what would it be?
"Unique. I've worked really hard and still have a lot to improve on. It's all part of the learning curve—getting better every day."
What is it like to work with Coach Ford and the pitching staff?
"Our pitching staff is so diverse. We have so many different personalities, spins, pitches and fundamentals, which is great. But it's also our personalities—being a little crazy, working hard and keeping each other accountable—that make it special. Coach Ford is like our mom. She pats us on the hand when we need to lock in, but she also celebrates us, and that's something not every coach does."
Do you have any pregame superstitions?
"I pray and usually listen to the same artists on game days. It's a mix of Moneybagg and some rock like Nickelback. And we always have to play hacky before the game."
Who hypes you up the most before you step into the circle?
"My teammates. They support me like no one else, and we all lift each other up when it's our turn to compete. Especially my pitchers—they know what we go through, how hard we work, and it's nice to see all that effort pay off."
If you could take a teammate back in time with you to any historical period, who and where would it be?
"DeeDee Baldwin and I are going back to watch the gladiator games in Rome. We're both into that kind of stuff, and it would be so interesting to see. We'd probably be going crazy watching something like that."
Players Mentioned
C
/ Softball
P
/ SoftballFall Ball Press Conference: Trisha Ford
Monday, October 06
Liberty Postgame: Texas A&M
Sunday, May 18
NCAA Regional Day 3: Liberty Postgame
Sunday, May 18
Highlights: Texas A&M 5, Liberty 6
Sunday, May 18
