After humble beginnings at the launch of the program in 2013, the steady climb continues for the
Falcons, who have now become a district title threat annually. SSES has posted three consecutive 11-win
seasons and a 33-10 record over that stretch, including its first district championship in 2021.
The rise for Saint Stephen’s actually began during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. SSES was off to a
5-0 start and, after outscoring opponents 77-24, the Falcons looked poised for great things when the
season was shelved. An 11-3 record and district crown followed in 2021. The 2022 Falcons fell short of
repeating, but did register an 11-4 mark that included wins over Lakewood Ranch, Manatee, Sarasota
Riverview, and Tampa Catholic. It was another step forward for a program in just its tenth season of
existence.
The 2023 Falcons posted an 11-3 mark, with two of their three defeats coming at the very end of their
season against state-ranked No. 16 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney – in the district title game and regional
quarterfinal playoff.
With three first-team all-area performers graduating – including 85 combined goals from Matt Vara
(University of Tampa signee) and Justin Millican – Saint Stephen’s will look for new leadership in order to
maintain its considerable momentum during the 2024 campaign.
