Small schools player of the year

School: Tucson Palo Verde. Class: Senior. Position: Forward. Player’s comment: “It's really exciting to know that I've worked hard, and it’s paid off. I know in my first two years I didn't do that great. But since last year

Season recap: Stokes was one of the most feared strikers in the state. She scored 51 goals her senior season, matching her total from last year with less experienced players around her. Her career total of 137 is a new school record, besting the old mark by 30 goals. She also played multiple positions, playing anywhere she was needed. At forward, she was as consistent as they come. She scored in almost every match no matter the level of the opponent. Stokes signed with Cal Baptist, which is coming off its second consecutive national championship. and this year, I really tried and it's good to see it paid off. I grew as a player in every way. My junior year and senior year and the people on my team meant a lot more to me so I felt I had to do a better job than what I was doing. I really didn't even think I can do that (score 51 goals in each of the last two seasons). It was crazy. It was just amazing.” Coach Jim Mentz’s comment: “I think going into the season, there might have been a lot of pressure on her because we lost a lot of key players to graduation from last year. But she scored 51 goals her junior year and also scored 51 her senior year with a lot less experienced people around her, which is a credit to her teammates but also to her. … She also had to be a captain this year. In previous years, we had all those girls who took the leadership role, and she (Stokes) just played. This year, she played but she was also our leader. It was neat to see that develop.”