Meet the New Hokies: Zoee Stencil

As the Hokies approach the 2024 season, get to know the newest faces of Virginia Tech lacrosse.
 

ZOEE STENCIL
Defense 
Lake Shore, Maryland
Severn School
 
Why commit to Virginia Tech? I visited during a weekday, so I didn't attend a football or basketball game. I just went to class with Kacie [Hanson] and got to have meetings with the coaches. Our coaches are coaches first, but I could tell that they genuinely care about us as players and people. That was all I needed to know that I could see myself doing this for the next four years. 
 
When you grew up did you always know you wanted to play lacrosse in college? Pretty much, I knew I wanted to play lacrosse in college. I imagined myself not playing a sport, and I wasn't sure what I would do. 
 
What did lacrosse look like for you before coming to Virginia Tech? I played on M&D as my club team and on varsity in high school at Severn. I have lots of good memories from both teams with one of my favorites being scoring the game winning goal against our high school rival with 10 seconds left on the clock. 
 
Now that you're here in the swing of things, what are you most looking forward to? Our coaches keep saying this year is special and we all believe it. Last year the team came so close in ACC games and we're ready to see what we can do. 
 
What has been your favorite part about getting to practice with the team? Either after conditioning or in the middle of it is my favorite moment right now. Every single person is so motivating, so it's in my head that I can do anything. Plus, I always feel great physically and mentally after conditioning. 
 
Has there been anybody who's acted as a mentor to you on the team so far? Liz Labbe is the person I would say is my go to. I know I can go to her with any questions and she is also a defender like me. On top of lacrosse, she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. 
 
The fans want to know, why the two e's after your first name? Well, my mom wanted my name to be spelled Zoey and my dad wanted the spelling to be Zoë so my name being spelled Zoee was their way of compromise.