No matter what question you ask Enloe men’s lacrosse coach Ryan Stocke, the answer will always be the same.
“What do you consider the most important trait in your players?”
“Consistency and growth.”
“How do you bounce back from a poorer-than-expected start to a season?”
“Consistency and growth.”
“What is the focus in the locker room before every game?”
“Consistency and growth.”
His mantra has paid off. In Stocke’s five years as coach, he has watched his team go from taking home just one win in the 2021-22 season to clinching their first playoff bid since 2016 last year. It wasn’t easy; the team fought all season to earn the 24th playoff spot out of 24 offered, and without a one-point overtime win against Sanderson in the final stretch of the season, it wouldn’t have happened.
Even then, with Enloe’s playoff life hanging in the balance through every game, Stocke’s strategy still didn’t change. “Whether you’re up or you’re down, I think consistency is the most important thing. Not focusing on wins and losses overall, but giving that consistent effort throughout the game,” he remarked.
This year, the team chose to arrange a rigorous out-of-conference schedule to open the season. The team has risen to the challenge, with four wins through twelve games putting them squarely in playoff contention. The tough schedule has also prepared them for the crucial games ahead. “Going into our conference schedule, I think we’re really ready. I think our out-of-conference schedule has helped us prepare,” says Stocke.
As the team continues improving, Stocke reiterates the importance of recruiting hard-working, well-rounded students who are willing to grow. “We’ve got a good group of guys here…” says Stocke, and “getting guys to stay for the full four years and improve throughout those four years is the most important thing. Every single year, you’re building on the previous year.”
On the lacrosse team, the players all buy into Stocke’s mindset. “We lock in, and we always work to get better. It’s about one game at a time. Coach Stocke really cares about the team, and he works harder than anyone can see. We lock in, and we always work to get better, one game at a time,” says forward Caiden Hoover, who began playing in his Sophomore year.
For people who have never seen a lacrosse game, Stocke describes the sport as a “high intensity, back and forth game with a lot of transitions,” noting that “it’s one of the most fun sports to watch and play [and] it’s definitely underappreciated.”
Stocke’s team puts maximum effort into every game, but the coach was clear in mentioning that they play their best at home. “It’s great to be at The Nest and have groups of people come and support us. [Playing at Enloe] is definitely helpful for us,” defenseman Ethan Salter agreed, commenting that “Playing at The Nest gives us a defensive mindset. We have to defend our school, defend our home. We’re playing for the crowd.”
You can come support the Eagles at The Nest, too. Tickets and game information are available here.
