Writing HERstory: New’s lasting legacy

Grace New's six-year journey with Virginia Tech lacrosse is a testament to resilience, leadership and unwavering positivity.  

Recruited initially to Louisville as a sophomore in high school, the Raleigh, North Carolina native later found herself drawn to Blacksburg's welcoming mountain community. During her recruiting visit, something clicked – the walkable campus, the smiling strangers and the sense of belonging that felt more like home than her original plans. 

What began as a typical transition from high school lacrosse in 2019 quickly transformed when the COVID-19 pandemic halted competition, sending her and her teammates home in March 2020. 

"We traveled to Boston for a game against Brown, and that's when everything changed," New reflected. "Suddenly, our hotel room was filled with uncertainty as phones buzzed with breaking news and coaches huddled in urgent conversations. We ended up boarding buses and headed back to Blacksburg, watching our season – and the world – grind to a halt." 

Those unexpected months presented an opportunity for personal growth, allowing New to train independently and adapt to unprecedented uncertainty. While the disruption could have derailed her collegiate career, she instead used the time to regroup, build individual fitness and develop her mental resilience. 

Following the 2021 season, another significant shift was on the horizon – a new head coach. Kristen Skiera, a two-time All-America performer as an attacker at Duke University, joined the Hokies as the seventh head coach in program history, bringing significant NCAA and international competition experience. 

When Coach Skiera took the helm, New witnessed a seamless transition marked by improved communication and a more collaborative coaching style.  

"Coach Skiera has been an incredible mentor," New explained. "The communication is easy, because she's really big on hearing our input and having a collaborative conversation versus just telling us. She also loves playing with us during drills, which sets her apart." 

Under Skiera's guidance, New developed into a leader that emphasized positivity, kindness and growth. Her ability to remain a calm, supportive presence – always greeting teammates with a cheerful "great morning" even at 5:30 a.m. – has made her a cornerstone of the program's culture.  

New set an important example of perseverance when navigating a torn ACL heading into her junior year. Despite the setback, New provided invaluable support from the sidelines, and made a strong return in 2024 to play in 11 games and recorded 17 points (10 goals, 7 assists).  

The signature Virginia Tech slogan, "This Is Home," perfectly reflects the strong sense of community within the lacrosse program. For New, the close-knit bonds she shares with her teammates on and off the field are the most rewarding part of being a lacrosse student-athlete. 

"The joke is, I always know there is a lacrosse girl behind me because they're standing two inches behind me instead of a foot and a half," New laughed. “I think that symbolizes how close we are as a team.” 

Their bond extends far beyond the field through bonding activities like mini-golf competitions that reveal hidden talents, spring break bonfires with marshmallow roasting and team dinners. 

As the team has built on this foundation of unity, the 2025 season has already shown promising glimpses, including a 16-7 victory over Louisville. An opening round ACC Tournament loss to Louisville ended the Hokies' 2024 season, making this recent win especially impactful. 

"Seeing the freshmen and defensive players rise to the occasion, executing their skills with precision and confidence, was incredibly rewarding," New said. "It was one of those games where everyone stepped up and showed up for one another." 

As New’s time on the field winds down, she’ll leave behind an important legacy. 

“Grace embodies the spirit of resilience and leadership,” teammate Elizabeth Labbe said when describing her impact. “From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to overcoming injury, she has never wavered in her commitment to the team. She is always bringing people along with her to put in the work before and after practice. Her determination, kindness, and ability to bring everyone together are what truly make her a standout leader. Grace is the teammate who lifts us up when we need it most, and her strength inspires all of us to push further, both on and off the field.” 

Soon, New's leadership will extend beyond the field. Coming from a family of educators and drawing from her experience guiding teammates, she plans to pursue a career in elementary education after graduation. 

Writing HERstory Campaign 

Tech Athletics launched a multi-platform brand campaign celebrating the incredible achievements of its female student-athletes, both past and present, while inspiring the next generation of women who aspire to achieve their dreams through athletics. In partnership with Truist, Tech will share stories of its past and current female student-athletes over the course of the calendar year. Ranging from podcast interviews to feature stories and more, the incredible moments and achievements by women over the years in Virginia Tech Athletics will be celebrated. To make an impact on female sports at Tech or to sign up for the monthly Writing HERstory newsletter.