The former England international is now the fifth longest-serving player at the club, having joined in the summer of 2024 following the Lasses' promotion to the Barclays Women's Super League 2 (WSL2).
Into her third season on Tyneside, Stokes came on as a substitute against Villa for her first appearance of the season to bring up her half century in black and white.
"It's something I can be proud of," United’s number three said. "It's funny because you get two shirts before a game and I didn't put the one with 50 on, and I don't really know why I didn't.
"But I suppose I can just keep that one clean now. It is a good achievement, because as a player you don't really tally up how many games you've played and to be honest, I was just happy to be back out there with the girls."
The 34-year-old former Lioness was a statement signing by United two years ago, with many people externally excited to see what she could achieve back in the North East.
Now an experienced head in the team, Stokes took on the role of Club Leader within the team's leadership group in the summer, which has seen her become a strong link between players and manager Tanya Oxtoby.
"Every day when I come in, I always give my all, regardless of what has happened," she said. "It could be an injury or just not in the team for whatever reason.
"I think that is the most important thing: that I always come in, show up and do my part because we're all part of a puzzle fitting together. I think I've done that throughout my time here, and I'll continue to do that for as long as I'm at the club.
"You have to take whatever happens in your stride, because I think you can always take a positive out of any situation, and that's something I've done my whole career.
"It's all about the team, so you've got to put individual feelings and thoughts aside to make sure that we all achieve the bigger picture here."
Coming back to the region following a 13-year absence via Vancouver and Manchester, the full back didn't miss a beat in the 2024/25 season, playing every league match.
"There have been a lot of highlights, but I don't think I could pick just one," Stokes added. "I think just seeing where the club was at when I joined, and where it is now, is amazing.
"I think it's grown so much in such a short space of time, and I think it's quite scary because we're just getting started.
"A lot of things have changed in the just over two years I've been here, and the momentum we have, the club is only going forward.
"So I think if I had to pick one thing, it would be the whole project of the club, from where it started and where it is now; that's something I'm proud to have been a part of."
