The N.C. State women’s soccer team returns a core group of upperclassmen from last season’s team, but a freshman has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable players.
Jackie Stengel, a freshman forward from Melbourne, Fla., has started all 10 games and scored seven goals so far this season, including three game winners in contests against Navy, Longwood, and Pittsburgh. She also leads the team in shots on goal with 16, twice the amount of the Wolfpack’s next-leading player. She also has been the most used player for the Pack this season, leading the team in total minutes played with 860.
Stengel was originally committed to the University of Florida, but changed her mind at the last minute and ventured much further from home for her collegiate soccer career.
“I saw a greater opportunity to make a name for myself [at N.C. State],” Stengel said. “There’s a great coaching staff and a great group of girls. And the ACC is a top conference in soccer.”
While playing at Viera High School, she received numerous honors, including the Florida 4A Player of the Year Award in her senior year and being named the top rated player in the state of Florida for the class of 2013 by Top Drawer Soccer. She was ranked as the No. 33 forward nationally. In three seasons at Viera, she totaled 112 goals and 47 assists. During one game in her high school career, she scored an astounding eight goals.
As with virtually all student-athletes, Stengel faces the reality of balancing academics with her sport.
“Sometimes it can be difficult deciding whether to stay in and study or go hang out with the team,” Stengel said. “I definitely enjoy the ‘athlete’ part of ‘student-athlete’ more. Playing soccer is very rewarding. But I’m starting to become more disciplined and organize my time better.”
Wolfpack head coach Tim Santoro acknowledges the energy and enthusiasm Stengel has brought to the team and sees it as a benefit.
“She’s very vocal—More than a lot of our players,” Santoro said. “She’s been huge for us so far this season.”
Stengel is not the only ACC soccer player in her family. Her older sister Katie is a senior at Wake Forest, where Santoro was an assistant coach before coming to State. Their father, Scott, also played collegiately at the Air Force Academy.
“My sister and I were constantly pushing each other to get better every day.” Stengel said. “She taught me everything I know. I wouldn’t be here without her.”
State hosts the Demon Deacons on Oct. 31 in the final regular-season game for both teams. Stengel says it will be difficult to compete against her sister, especially given the fact that they played together in their youth.
“It’s going to be tough,” Stengel said. “We always played on the same teams growing up.”
Despite her performance so far this season and her desire to make a name for herself, Stengel has not lost sight of the overall goal the Wolfpack has as a team.
“I want to help us get as far as we can and make the [NCAA] Tournament,” Stengel said.
Stengel and the Wolfpack host No. 23 Virginia Tech on Thursday night. Kick-off at the Dail Soccer Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
