Mr. Barrios Message
STEM SPOTLIGHT MESSAGE 8/30/2026
Dear STEM Families,
STEM Athletics are officially underway! It has been exciting to see so many of our student-athletes in action, I have enjoyed getting out to see our kids giving their all.
We are excited for all the games, matches, and races happening! Come join me to cheer on our Spartans and watch our student-athletes represent STEM both on and off the field.
As we kick off another exciting week of competition, I want to share highlights from the previous week, important athletics updates, and schedules for the week ahead.
Check out last week's highlights and this week’s schedules below and come cheer on our Spartans!
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
The wait is finally over, registration for Speech & Debate is now open. Be sure to register for eSports before the plug is pulled!
Fall Athletes Picture day Friday Sept 4th @ STEM Gym, starting at 3 pm.
Boys soccer, girls volleyball and MS/ HS Cross Country
Speech and Debate - for High School & Middle School is now open
Strongly encouraged parent & AD meeting for MS / HS eSports on Tuesday, September 8th, at 6pm MS Cafe. .
FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON
High School Registration
Registration remains open for:
Boys Soccer - Closes Aug 31st
Cross Country - Closes Aug 31st
Boys Golf - Closes Aug 31st
eSports - Closing Sept. 2nd
Cheer - Open
Speech & Debate - Open
Middle School Registration
Registration remains open for:
Cross Country - Closed
eSports - Closing Sept. 4th
Girls Basketball
Cheer
Speech & Debate
Registration will close soon. Students who are interested in participating should register as soon as possible.
THIS WEEK'S BOY'S SOCCER RECAP
Boys soccer is off to a consistent start! They lost to Banning Lewis 3-1 and Lucas Colclasure scored again. Believe me the games are closer than the score indicates. They are just missing shots and not by much. Once they start going in, so will the wins.
Game 1’s player of the match was Kellan Madden. “Mad Dog” Madden played his heart out on the wing! This kid has more energy than the Energizer Bunny. What a motor!
Game 2’s player of the match was Alex Stone. He is a beast on the defense, He never gives up!!
Keep it up boys!!
Lost 3-1 to Banning Lewis
Upcoming soccer match
Monday Aug 31st @ Aurora Science and Technology High School
JV match @ 4pm
Varsity match @ 5:30pm
Parklane Park Soccer Field
Wednesday Sept 2nd @ Nederland Senior High School
JV match @ 4pm
Varsity match @ 5:30pm
Nederland High School Stadium
Friday Sept 4th @ Sheridan High School
JV match @ 5pm
Varsity match @ 6:30pm
Sheridan District Stadium Soccer field
Let’s do our best to get out there and support our high school boys soccer team on the road!
The presence of our families and community members makes a difference. Let’s fill the sidelines and show our student-athletes what STEM pride looks like.
TEAM HIGHLIGHT: BOYS GOLF
BROADLANDS GOLF CLUB, Wednesday, August 26
Aarav Singh (78) maintained his good form, with Jaxson Martin (85) returning to form as the Spartans played in the Jefferson Academy invitational. Jayden Yoon (96) and Miles Steiner (99) rounded out the top-four, while Andrew Brennan made his varsity debut (135), showing off his par-3 skills while working to build up his long-game for the much longer varsity-level courses.
ESTES PARK GOLF COURSE, Thursday, August 27
Jayden Yoon recorded his season-low round of 88 on a beautiful day surrounded by the mountains of scenic Estes Park. Aarav Singh (87), Jaxson Martin (95) and Miles Steiner (96) rounded out the top four. Emmett Cumbler (103) matched his season low, while Jacoby Van Winkle (124) attempted the shot of the day, standing next to a pond full of salamanders and attempting a PGA-level shot to hit out of ankle-deep water... Unfortunately, the salamanders won, and Van Winkle had to settle for a drop for his next shot.
The team demonstrated outstanding effort, strong sportsmanship, and excellent competitive spirit. We are proud of the way our golfers represented STEM.
Great job, team!
Upcoming Tournaments
Tuesday Sept 1st JV Boys Golf 9-Hole Tournament
Emerald Greens Golf Course
Thursday Sept 3rd Varsity Boys Golf MHL tournament #5
Racoon Creek Golf Course
Good luck STEM!
HIGH SCHOOL GIRL'S VOLLEYBALL RECAP
First game of the season was Monday August 24th @ Addenbrooke Classical Academy:
The JV volleyball team opened the season at Addenbrooke Classical Academy. The team was led by Rozella Wing and Rory Aron. Mandy Britt had a standout performance that pushed the Mustangs to a 23 - 23 tie in the second set. Ultimately, Addenbrooke took the (2-0) win, but the Spartans rallied and played some great volleyball.
Varsity
Spartan varsity volleyball started the season with a HUGE, 5 set victory! The team battled hard with Morgan Hamm's 20 digs leading the defense. Evie Grubb ran a potent offense with 20 assists and Maggie Nelson had 9 kills to solidify the win.
The first HOME game was Wednesday August 26th vs. Loveland Classical.
Loveland Classical Academy had a great crowd and the gym was filled with terrific energy. The JV team struggled in the first set but came back in the second and challenged the Lions. Esha Thammiraju jumped into the second set and sparked the Spartan defense. Robyn Ballheim was tough at the net and recorded the team's first official block of the season.
Varsity
The Spartans battled a tough Loveland team that was returning most of their league finalist roster from last season. After losing the first set 11-25, the Spartans led most of the second set. Rylie Calme anchored the serve-receive with 19 receptions. Gigi Irish added to the scoreboard with 2 timely aces and Evie Grubb was all over the court with 4 kills and 8 digs. The Spartans are hoping to improve their team record next week with 3 away games.
Upcoming Volleyball games
Monday Aug 31st @ Aurora Science and Technology High School
JV starts @ 4:30pm
Varsity starts @ 5:30pm
Aurora Science and Tech Main Gym
Wednesday Sept 2nd @ Nederland Senior High School
JV starts @ 4:30 pm
Varsity starts @ 5:30 pm
Nederland High School Main Gym
Let’s do our best to get out there and support our Girls Volleyball team on the road!
The presence of our families and community members makes a difference. Let’s fill the stands and show our student-athletes what STEM pride looks like.
CROSS COUNTRY
High school Cross Country had their first race August 22nd @ Vista Nation. Our kids ran hard to prepare for the first 5K @ The D’Evelyn Dash.
Their second race at the D’Evelyn Dash was Friday August 28th. Run hard & STEM strong.
Upcoming Cross Country Races
Saturday Sept 5th @ Liberty Ball XC Invite
Race starts at 7:45 am
Heritage High School Field - Acreage
Keep on running! You are doing great!!
THANK YOU, STEM FAMILIES
Thank you for your continued support of STEM athletics. Family involvement plays an important role in creating a positive and memorable experience for every student-athlete.
I look forward to connecting with our families and partnering with you throughout the 2026–27 season. Together, we can build an athletic program centered on growth, character, teamwork, achievement, and STEM pride.
Go STEM!
Samson Barrios
Athletic Director
STEM School Highlands Ranch