Sparks Named New Mullen Dance Coach
It’s said that it’s always darkest before the dawn. It must have seemed that way last week for the Mullen dance team, the ‘darkest’ part, I mean. There they were entering the stretch run leading up to their competition season which started in three weeks. Their focus should have been on refining their techniques and lines for their big competition, but, instead, they were wondering who their coach would be. It’s quite unusual, but it happens sometimes, and it most certainly happened in the eleventh-hour that their head coach resigned her position – very dark indeed. But, in that moment of extreme, intense darkness, a new dawn rose and with it came the naming of a new coach and a favorite daughter’s return.
Like that first warm ray of the morning sun, Lauren Sparks has emerged and answered the call as Mullen’s new dance team head coach. Lauren is a 2013 graduate of Mullen High School and a four-year letter recipient on what was known then as the POMs Team. As a member of the Mullen Mustang POMs squad, her teams were State challengers with multiple top-10 finishes in her four years, and that experience has stayed with Lauren to this day, “My time as a Mullen pom was among the most influential parts of my life thus far. Not only did I improve as a dancer and athlete, I became more confident, learned how to advocate for myself, discovered the value of teamwork, overcame challenges, and built character. The highlights of my Poms career include performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, winning a few competitions, Friday night lights, becoming a captain, and making lifelong friends. Two of my Mullen teammates were bridesmaids in my wedding!” It is those life-long experiences and memories high school athletics adds to the overall high school experience, and it is vital that in addition to Lauren’s ballet, jazz, hip-hop, gymnastic, and POMs background, she understands the importance of integrating the values of lifelong experiences.
Lauren attended the University of Colorado, Boulder where she earned a BSBA degree in Marketing and a BA degree in Communications and, also, spent a year on the CU Buffs’ Dance Team. Today, Lauren earns her living as an HR and event planner for Ernst and Young and is building a life with her husband, Taven, and their golden retriever, Leo. When asked about the support she is getting from home, she had this to say, “Taven is thrilled; he still keeps in touch with his high school basketball coach and knows how influential a good coach can be. He's excited to help me be the best coach possible, and root for the Mullen Mustangs (he's a recovering Arapahoe Warrior). Leo, my golden retriever, is just happy to be here.” The family support is essential when coaching, and not only does Lauren have it, but the Mustangs pick up a convert in the process.
There is no question that dance is in Lauren’s blood, but it is the structure and choreography of dance that is rooted deep in her being that is the lure that calls her to this moment. “I love working toward a concrete goal--a new skill to master, perfecting choreography, building stamina to get through a difficult routine, or maintaining technique. I'm also passionate about the athletic component of dance.” There is also the bond that is there for one of Mullen’s favorite daughters as she strives to enhance the already strong dance legacy. “I look forward to building a competitive, selective, varsity-level program that produces well-rounded dancers, athletes, and young women. I take the head coaching position very seriously and am fully aware of how special the Mullen dance program is. I will always operate in the best interest of the dancers and their development and will ensure they have a memorable, FUN experience!”
‘What an honor to be trusted with this position! I feel so excited and at peace.” Looks like the forecast is calling for a bright, sunshiny day.
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