Lacy Stokes: A Lady Bear for Life
SPRINGFIELD–As long as she can remember, Lacy Stokes has been a lifelong fan of the Missouri State Lady Bears basketball program. The Mount Vernon product was a star guard for her high school and then, a star at Division II Missouri Southern State University.
But ever since Stokes transferred to Missouri State to fulfil her childhood dream of playing for her favorite team, she's made an impact that will long outlive her two years in maroon and white.
She's been the leader of the Lady Bears pack for only the past 2 seasons, but her love affair with Missouri State dates long before she arrived on campus.
'I think if you've heard my story, I've been a Bear since the very beginning,' said Stokes. 'And so, having the success I've had with this team, playing with the girls that I've been with, playing for coach Cunningham and this whole staff, this whole environment, Springfield, Missouri, you just feel the love everywhere.'
After transferring from Missouri Southern State last year, Stokes quickly endeared herself to the MSU faithful. Racking up nine conference Player of the Week honors, and nearly leading Mo State to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title.
'I've coached a lot of kids along the way, I've coaches a lot of really good players, some great players, but I don't think I've ever had a kid play as hard on both ends of floor for the entire game as she does,' said Lady Bears Head Coach Beth Cunningham.
Saturday afternoon, when Stokes is honored on Senior Day, more tears will flow, especially from her teammates.
'She's…been the biggest blessing that I've had coming to this school,' said teammate Kaemyn Bekemeier. 'And I didn't commit here knowing she was gonna be here, but I'm really glad the Lord put us together and I'm really grateful.'
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