Sussex Academy boys’ soccer seeking a DIAA first

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With their 2024 title, Sussex Academy became the first public school to win back-to-back DIAA soccer championships since Brandywine in 1979-80. The Seahawks are looking to do something in 2025 that no public school has done since the DIAA began tracking champions – three in a row.

“We're going to push some a little bit more than we have the last couple of years,” said coach R.J. Dina. “I think there was a level of comfort last year with a lot of returning players, but we worked them hard. I think for us, the the only thing that's different is the faces that fill out the roster.”

The Class of 2025 features eight seniors who are eager to show they were an important part of both championship teams, not just bystanders. 

“It's definitely on our mind. I think that we can do it again, but I think it's going to be more of a grind than it has been the last two years,” said senior George Sapna. “We're all experienced, and we have a lot of younger guys, so I think we can push our experience onto them and then make it work.” 

Younger players will get some minutes this year, and Dina noted what they will need.

“Full team buy-in; the young guys buying into what we're trying to do, the returning players buying into the fact that there are different players that are going to be lining up with them, game to game,” Dina said. 

“Last year, we had an amazing group of guys,” said senior Chase Ballinger. “This year, we don't have a lot of depth on the team, so I think there is still a target, but people are going to underestimate our ability on the ball and our ability to play soccer ultimately.”

“People want to beat us bad, and they don't think we still have that talent,” said senior Ben Steimel. “We’ve got a really good supporting class; we've got some really good youth behind us. We’ve got a good program here.” 

Senior Austin Taylor, who made a brilliant save in the state championship game during penalties, understands they have big shoes to fill, but believes they’ve earned the right to defend the title.

“I think we've all worked hard and we can all attest to that,” Taylor said. “I think we're ready for anything; I'm ready to lead these guys to three in a row.”

Taylor will direct a backline with some familiar faces in new spots and new faces in familiar spots, so chemistry will be important, but the Seahawks think goals will come to them on offense.

“We have a very good final four with me, George [Sapna], Jesse Jean-Louis, and Liam Stegall,” Ballinger said. “I think that group of four people can put up a lot of goals, but at the same time, we need to really work out our defense, especially with the new guys stepping in.”

Sussex Academy is hoping to peak when it matters most.

“I'm looking forward to the end of the season and playoffs because we end the season with CR, conference finals, and then we'll go right in the playoffs,” said senior Noah Benz.

“That's when the real season begins,” Jean-Louis said. “We'll see how far we can make it this year.” 

In an absolute must-watch match, Sussex Academy welcomes Division I runners-up Salesianum to their campus for their season opener at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6.

“When you have a team with as much history as they have in the state, you want to see it,” Dina said. “Where do you fare with a group like that? A large school with as much success as they've had.”