The Saint Leo Department of Athletics and Saint Leo Vice President of Athletics and Wellness, Marcal Lazenby, named Steven Searles as the Head Flag Football Coach in the Summer of 2026.
Searles brings extensive experience in program development, student-athlete mentorship, and organizational leadership to Saint Leo after building successful girls flag football programs throughout the Tampa Bay area. Most recently, he served as the inaugural head girls flag football coach at Anclote High School, where he established the program's foundation while fostering both competitive and academic success. Under his leadership, the team improved its win total, tripled its offensive production, significantly increased its defensive output, and raised its cumulative team GPA, while producing 12 All-State Academic selections and seven All-Conference honorees.
In addition to his high school coaching experience, Searles founded Living and Breathing Sports, Inc., growing the organization into one of the largest NFL FLAG programs in the region with more than 500 athletes across three counties. He also founded Deep Threats, an all-girls travel flag football program dedicated to athlete development and collegiate exposure, helping numerous players earn opportunities at regional and national events.
A U.S. Army veteran, Searles has built strong recruiting connections throughout Florida's rapidly expanding girls flag football community and has extensive experience in athlete evaluation, program administration, fundraising, compliance, and community engagement. His commitment to developing student-athletes both academically and athletically, combined with his passion for growing the sport, positions him to lead the continued success of Saint Leo's flag football program.
