Our Leadership.
The people behind Sparta Prep Academy — educators, coaches, veterans, and leaders — all united by one mission: building student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the field.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Joey Imperial
Joey Imperial is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sparta Prep Academy — a United States Army veteran, licensed Utah educator, and football coach with over 20 years of leadership experience in education, athletics, and nonprofit development. He built Sparta Prep Academy from the ground up, and this August 2026 it opens its doors for the very first time — giving 7th–9th grade student-athletes something that didn't exist before: a school that takes both their academics and their athletic development equally seriously.
Joey holds a Master of Educational Leadership from National University (Honors, 2023) and is currently a second-year doctoral student pursuing his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Systems. He is a licensed educator in Utah with endorsements in Health Education, Social Studies, and Physical Education — and brings real classroom experience from Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas, NV.
Before founding Sparta Prep Academy, Joey served as Head Football Coach and Executive Director of the IV @ Risk Youth Betterment Foundation — an IRS-approved 501(c) nonprofit he created in El Centro, CA that served over 200 athletes per year, raised approximately $90,000 annually, and organized high-level camps featuring former NFL players. His coaching background spans all youth levels from 5U to 14U, with a specialty in offensive systems and quarterback development.
Rooted in Army Values — loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage — Joey's approach to education and coaching is mission-focused. He has just moved to Spanish Fork, Utah with his family and is excited to plant roots, get involved in the community, and build Sparta Prep Academy into something Spanish Fork can be proud of. This is a new school, a new chapter, and Joey is committed to launching it the right way — with the right people, in the right place.
Ed.D. Candidate
National University
M.Ed. Leadership
Graduated with Honors
US Army Veteran
Army Values Leadership
Utah Licensed Educator
Health · Social Studies · PE
"Train Hard. Study Smart. Prep for Everything."
— Joey Imperial
Board of Directors.
Our board brings together educators, coaches, business leaders, and community advocates — all committed to the success of every student-athlete at Sparta Prep Academy.
Matt Mills
Chairman of the Board
Matt is a successful entrepreneur with 25+ years of business ownership experience, including multiple agricultural business operations. A former head football coach, he brings a rare combination of competitive leadership on the field and sharp business acumen off it — making him the ideal chairman to guide Sparta Prep Academy's growth and long-term vision.
Stephanie Valadez
Board Secretary
Stephanie is a Human Resources Director for a school district, bringing deep expertise in education policy, staff development, and organizational compliance. Her background working within school systems gives her a unique understanding of what student-athletes need to thrive academically, and she is committed to ensuring Sparta Prep Academy builds a strong, people-first foundation from day one.
Bianca Nicole Bernal
Treasurer
Bianca is a certified public accountant with a background in nonprofit financial management. She played competitive soccer through college and remains deeply involved in youth sports as a coach and mentor. Her financial expertise ensures Sparta Prep Academy operates with transparency and long-term sustainability.
Doug Brady
Vice Chairman
Doug has over 15 years of experience in school administration and curriculum development at the middle and high school levels. A former collegiate athlete, he has coached youth football and basketball for more than a decade and is a strong believer in the power of structured athletic programs to reinforce academic discipline.
Michael Tamayo
Director
Michael is a stock broker and portfolio manager at JP Morgan, bringing a high-level understanding of finance, investment strategy, and economic planning to the board. A former competitive athlete with a background in kinesiology, he remains actively involved in youth sports and understands the discipline and structure that athletics instill in young people.
Lupita Anderson
Director
Lacy is an experienced educator and academic counselor with a master's degree in School Counseling. She has worked with student-athletes navigating the college recruitment process and specializes in helping young people build the academic records and personal character needed to compete at the next level.
Ready to Join
the Founding Class?
Spots for August 2026 are limited. Submit your interest today and a member of our team will reach out to schedule a discovery call.
Enroll Now