Sycamore Bound: Zoe Dispennette Commits to Indiana State

For Saint Thomas More’s Zoë Dispennette, the word she uses to describe her commitment to Indiana State says it all: “Surreal.” After years of long practices, hard-fought games, and overcoming doubt, the 5’11” guard/forward from the Class of 2026 officially announced her decision to play for head coach Marc Mitchell and the Sycamores.

“It felt like all my work paid off,” Zoë said, reflecting on the moment she realized she had found her college home.

The Road to Indiana State

Zoë’s growth on the court has been steady and undeniable.

• Freshman year: 8.9 points, 4 rebounds, 1.5 assists (14–12 record)

• Sophomore year: 11.8 points, 5 rebounds, 1.5 assists (17–9 record)

• Junior year: 14.7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists (19–8 record)

Each year, her numbers have climbed — proof of her work ethic and determination. But for Zoë, the real connection came when she stepped onto Indiana State’s campus for the first time.

“The first camp I went to, I saw one of the coaches I had been talking to in the past. I didn’t realize he was working there now, and that moment made everything click,” she shared.

Influences and Overcoming Challenges

The recruiting journey wasn’t always easy. Zoë points to her parents and trainer, Coach Hudson, as anchors who kept her grounded. She also remembers the hurdles she had to clear along the way.

“People didn’t believe in me in the past, and I had to fight through different teams and constantly being the new person,” she said. That resilience has shaped her into a competitor with a strong mindset — one she’s ready to carry into college basketball.

Her advice for younger players going through the same process?“Trust your work, and don’t compare yourself to people, especially on the internet.”

Why Indiana State?

From the coaching staff to the environment, Indiana State checked every box.

“The coaches, the team, the play style, and just the overall environment made it feel right,” Zoë explained. She’s already connected with several future teammates, both at camp and over the phone, and is looking forward to bonding even more on her official visit.

What excites her most? “Definitely just being able to focus on basketball without other distractions. I’m super excited about the coaches’ style of play.”

Her goals are clear: “Make it to the tournament, and be a key player on the team.”

PRIME Nation Connection

Zoë credits Team PRIME Nation with shaping her into the player and person she is today.

“Playing with PRIME taught me mentality. I had to overcome a lot — being the new person, fighting for playing time, playing a position I wasn’t used to. It helped me gain a stronger mindset and more skill in areas I didn’t have before.”

When asked to describe the PRIME culture in one word, Zoë didn’t hesitate: “Family.”

“Since we had to go through many long, hard practices together, it brought us very close and made us bond like sisters.”

Her favorite PRIME memory? A trip to Las Vegas, where basketball was mixed with friendship and fun: “Walking around the strip with the team, having fun and making memories.”

Chasing Dreams and Championships

Off the court, Zoë is excited to dive into academics. “Being able to study something I’m super interested and passionate about,” she said, is just as important as her basketball goals.

She also took time to thank those who have been in her corner: “My parents, brothers, and trainer.”

And her message to her PRIME teammates still chasing their dreams? “Keep going!! The work will pay off.”

Closing Thoughts

Zoë Dispennette’s story is one of persistence, growth, and belief. From Saint Thomas More to PRIME Nation to Indiana State, she’s built a foundation of hard work and resilience that has her ready for the next chapter.

The Sycamores are getting a player hungry to make an impact — and PRIME Nation is proud to celebrate another one of its own moving on to the Division I stage.