Paid for by IU Health
For Adam Sparks, athletic training isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling shaped by decades of experience and a lifelong connection to sports.
As a certified athletic trainer and part of the IU Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Muncie team, Sparks brings his expertise to patients across East Central Indiana, all while finding balance between work and family.
Sparks recently joined IU Health after spending 20 years as an athletic trainer at Taylor University. There, he worked closely with collegiate athletes in football, lacrosse, and track and field. As his two sons grew older, Sparks found himself missing more family moments than he wanted.
“Both of my boys are active in sports, and I realized I was missing their games and school activities,” Sparks says. “I wanted to be present for them, especially as they approach their teenage years.”
The transition to IU Health has allowed Sparks to apply his skills in a new setting. At the walk-in orthopedics clinic, he is often the first point of contact for patients, assessing their needs and connecting them with the appropriate specialist. The variety of injuries he sees, from hand fractures to ankle sprains, keeps his days dynamic.
“I love that no two days are the same,” Sparks says. “It’s rewarding to be able to listen to patients, assess their needs and ensure they’re on the right path to recovery.”
Sparks has also extended his community focus by strengthening IU Health’s partnerships with local schools and athletic trainers. His years of working with athletes make him a natural fit for connecting students to orthopedic care and ensuring timely treatment for sports-related injuries.
“Getting athletes seen quickly is critical,” he says. “Whether they need surgery, therapy or simply guidance on returning to practice, it’s all about providing solutions that align with their goals.”
While his current position has taken him from the sidelines to the clinic, Sparks remains deeply invested in the athlete experience. Whether guiding an athlete back to the game they love or helping a patient navigate recovery, he finds fulfillment in making a difference.
Beyond his clinical duties, he cherishes the opportunity to attend his sons’ games and be fully present for his family.
“Being able to combine my passion for sports medicine with more time for my family has been a blessing,” Sparks says. “It’s a reminder that I’m in the right place, doing what I’m meant to do.”
