St. Johns Country Day School girls soccer chasing program's 16th state title

The Spartans will face Victory Christian Academy in the state semifinals Friday, with a berth in the Class 1A state championship match on the line.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The St. Johns Country Day girls soccer team is one win away from another state championship appearance. The Spartans will face Victory Christian Academy in the state semifinals Friday, with a berth in the Class 1A state championship match on the line. St. Johns Country Day is two victories away from its 16th state championship in program history and a chance to repeat last season's success.

Why it matters

St. Johns Country Day is tied with St. Thomas Aquinas for the most girls soccer state titles in Florida history, making this a significant milestone for the program and the community. The team's continued dominance and pursuit of another championship highlights the strength of the school's soccer program.

The details

The Spartans credit their chemistry and relationships off the field for their continued success on it. Senior midfielder Calli Berang said the team's strong work ethic makes up for any shortcomings, while senior forward Victoria Sarka leads the team with 32 goals this season. Head coach Mike Pickett, now in his 28th season, said this year's group is one of the tightest-knit he's had.

  • The Spartans will face Victory Christian Academy in the state semifinals on Friday.
  • If the Spartans win on Friday, they will face either Canterbury or Berean Christian in the Class 1A state championship on Saturday afternoon.

The players

Mike Pickett

The head coach of the St. Johns Country Day girls soccer team, now in his 28th season leading the program.

Calli Berang

A senior midfielder for the St. Johns Country Day Spartans.

Victoria Sarka

A senior forward for the St. Johns Country Day Spartans, leading the team with 32 goals this season.

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What they’re saying

“My team is just so hardworking and gritty. If we lack in one area, we make up for it with our work ethic. You can't teach work ethic — you either have it or you don't. I'm just very, very proud to be part of something so special and to share it with these girls.”

— Calli Berang, Senior Midfielder (news4jax.com)

“For me personally, knowing my team has my back allows me to play free and lets all of us play free. I honestly think that's the biggest reason for our success — our culture and the standards we hold each other to.”

— Victoria Sarka, Senior Forward (news4jax.com)

“If we can go out and play our brand of soccer, we'll have a good chance.”

— Mike Pickett, Head Coach (news4jax.com)

What’s next

If the Spartans win on Friday, they will face either Canterbury or Berean Christian in the Class 1A state championship on Saturday afternoon.

The takeaway

St. Johns Country Day's girls soccer team is on the verge of another historic season, chasing its 16th state championship and a chance to cement its legacy as one of the top programs in Florida. The team's tight-knit culture, strong work ethic, and talented roster have fueled its continued dominance, making them a favorite to win another title.