VERMILLION, S.D.–A certain "spark" was missing in the South Dakota women's soccer lineup during the spring season. Senior midfielder Rebecca Sparkman, or "Sparky", severely sprained her ankle last spring in an intramural basketball game.
 
Sparkman underwent surgery on her ankle over the summer, followed by rehabilitation and strengthening. She was cleared to play in late July and the comeback has been underway since.
 
"Not being able to play has reminded me how passionate I am about this game," said Sparkman. "I love soccer and it has been the number one thing I have wanted to get back to. The rehabilitation process has been a good learning experience for me. It has been great getting back to the game and playing again with my teammates."
 
This summer was Sparkman's second experience with rehabilitation from surgery.
 
"My junior year of high school, I tore my ACL," Sparkman said. "I knew that this summer's recovery process would not be as brutal or take as long."
 
Knowing the process of post-surgery recovery has helped Sparkman this time around.
 
The midfielder was one of four players to remain on the pitch for all of regulation during Friday's season opener against Creighton. In 2014, she had the third-most points on the team with five goals and four assists.
 
"Rebecca is our anchor," said head coach Mandy Green. "She will play 90 minutes every game as long as she's fit and healthy. Rebecca has a lot to do with our team culture as well.
 
"I'm pretty sure she's the mastermind behind the prank that covered my office in sticky notes."
 
The Coyotes have been back in Vermillion practicing twice per day for the past three weeks. The on-field practices have prepared the Coyotes for game-like situations. Off the field, the team has bonded through team dinners, bowling, movie nights, team skits, and pranks on the coaching staff.
 
Sparkman's father, professor David Sparkman, also led the Coyotes in a two-day team building and culture development session.
 
The hard work the South Dakota women have put in over the past month pushes them towards the team goal for the season.
 
"We want to make the Summit League Tournament," said Sparkman. "We have a lot of smaller and specific goals for each game, but they all lead up to qualifying for the league tournament and winning it."
 
Sparkman and the Coyotes open their home slate with Iowa State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the USD Soccer Complex in Vermillion. A back-to-school tailgate will be held one hour prior to kickoff for all USD students.