Senior defensive back Chance Sparks has been named the 2025 Vern Marshall Award winner for male student-athletes, the Linfield athletic department announced Tuesday afternoon.
 
Presented annually since 2002, the Vern Marshall Award honors Linfield's top male and female athletes who compete with exemplary tenacity. The award was created in memory of Vern Marshall Sr., a 1957 Linfield graduate who was a standout athlete and longtime college and professional referee.
 
A secondary education and history major from Hillsboro, Oregon, Sparks was a dynamic playmaker and emotional leader for the Linfield football program. The cornerback capped a standout career with his most productive season in 2024, totaling 32 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and seven interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
 
Sparks contributed in all three phases of the game. In addition to his defensive prowess, he caught seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns during the 2024 campaign, including a long of 53 yards.
 
Over 32 career games, Sparks totaled 74 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 14 interceptions and 154 receiving yards with two touchdowns. His consistent impact and relentless motor set the tone for Linfield's success on the field.
 
"Watching Chance overcome adversity while still being inspiring to those around him made a lasting impression on me," said Linfield head football coach Joseph Smith. "Chance was both a fierce trainer and a fierce competitor, and he always ran to the battle."
 
Sparks is the 14th Linfield football player to receive the Vern Marshall Award. Colton Smith received the honor a year ago.