College Blue: Adrian Stenta

Adrian Stenta (Class of 1998) was awarded the College Blue at the 2022 Saint Ignatius' College Speech Day for his outstanding achievement in the field of sport.

Adrian has had a long association with the College community, first as a student, then as a teacher, and currently as a parent. During his time as a student, he was heavily involved in the co-curricular program, particularly in the areas of music and soccer. As a teacher, he has taught at the College for a number of years, assuming numerous of roles. He was the First XI coach for nine years, where he guided the team to eight Intercol wins, a SAAS Division 2 championship win, and last year an undefeated SAAS Division 1 championship win.

As a player, Adrian played 75 games for the Croydon Kings in the National SA Premier League. Adrian played for the Old Ignatians Soccer Club for over 10 years; he was the A grade captain from 2008 to 2014. Adrian was awarded the A grade best and fairest on two occasions.

While enjoying a successful playing career, Adrian’s passion was coaching. Adrian volunteered with the Adelaide

United National Youth Team for the 2014/15 season and the NPL State League season in 2015. In that year, they were promoted to the NPL SA Premier League. He continued to do volunteer work with the Adelaide United Youth Team in 2016. As Adrian has mentioned on occasion, he gained great insight into the coaching game from the two former Socceroos who coached the youth team at the time.

In 2017 he was appointed the coach of Campbelltown City Soccer Club reserves in the NPL. In 2018, Adrian was appointed the coach of the Adelaide United NPL reserves team. In his first season, the team were crowned League winners. In 2019 he achieved success as a coach again, with the team being crowned champions of the NPL SA reserves final series.

In 2019 Adrian was appointed as the assistant coach of the Adelaide United A-League Women’s Team for the 2019/20 season. He remained in this role for two seasons, with the team going very close to making the finals in both seasons. In season 2021/22, Adrian was appointed the Adelaide United A-League Women’s head coach. In his first season as head coach, the team achieved something they hadn’t in 14 years − a maiden finals series. As acknowledgement of his success in his first season, Adrian was awarded the Liberty A-League Women’s Coach of the Year by the Football Federation Australia.

Adrian is dedicated, sincere, and genuine in all that he does. He is a great role model for our current students and families. We congratulate him on all that he has achieved.