Mr. Barrios Message

Dear STEM Families,

Welcome to a new year of STEM athletics!

My name is Samson Barrios, and I am thrilled to serve as STEM’s new Athletic Director. This is my fourth year at STEM, and I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting students in a variety of roles—always with the goal of helping them grow, lead, and thrive.

Athletics have been a meaningful part of my life for as long as I can remember. I participated in multiple sports throughout my youth and high school years and continued competing in club sports during college. I have also coached little league football, and I currently serve as an assistant coach for my 8-year-old daughter’s basketball team.

As the proud father of two daughters who are beginning their own athletic journeys, I see firsthand the impact sports can have on young people. Athletics can shape a student’s experience in powerful ways, bringing both exciting opportunities and meaningful challenges.

At their best, sports teach far more than wins and losses. They help students develop:

• Teamwork

• Resilience

• Accountability

• Confidence

• Leadership

• Character
  
  

I believe deeply in the value of educational athletics, and I am excited to bring my energy, perspective, and passion to strengthening STEM athletics and supporting every student-athlete this season.

Several STEM high school and middle school sports have already begun their seasons, but registration is still open for a limited time.

High School Registration

Registration remains open for:

• Boys Soccer

• Girls Volleyball

• Cross Country

• Boys Golf

• eSports

• Cheer
  
  

Middle School Registration

Registration remains open for:

• Cross Country

• eSports

• Girls Basketball

• Cheer
  
  

Registration will close at the end of next week for High School. Students who are interested in participating should register as soon as possible.

More opportunities are right around the corner! Please watch for registration information and make plans to participate in:

• Speech and Debate - for High School & Middle School
  
  

We encourage students to get involved, try something new, and become part of the STEM athletics and activities community.

High School Boys Soccer

Thursday Aug 20 at 3:30 p.m. vs Elizabeth HS
Marcy Park

Come out, bring your school spirit, and support our high school boys soccer team!

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.

Congratulations to our high school boys golf team, which earned a third-place finish in its 1st high school varsity Mile High League golf tournament at Foothills on Tuesday Aug. 11th!

The team demonstrated outstanding effort, strong sportsmanship, and excellent competitive spirit. We are proud of the way our golfers represented STEM.

Great job, team!

A parent meeting will be held for families participating in:

• Cross Country

• Volleyball

• Soccer
  
  

Monday, August 17, at 6:00 p.m.
STEM School Athletic Entrance

Parents and guardians of participating student-athletes are encouraged to attend. Important information about the season, expectations, communication, and team procedures will be shared. Pizza will be provided, please rsvp with your coach.

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