Mara Schmidt '22 Recruiting Profile

My drive to succeed has catapulted me in my personal, academic and athletic life. Obstacles in life have presented me with challenges which I have overcome with a positive attitude, drive to succeed and a passion to make a difference in people's lives. All the way through my school career I have excelled academically. Most recently I have enrolled in AP and Honors level classes which bring welcomed challenges. I am looking to play beach volleyball for a college or university that meets both my academic and athletic goals. I have plans to attend college and major in business, but may further my education in the area of contract law.

Whether on the indoor court, beach court or in the classroom, I want my character to speak for itself. First and foremost I want to be a positive role model and teammate. I am an excellent team player who understands that each person on the court plays a particular role, but that playing together as a team is what makes the difference between winning and losing. I am a split hitter/blocker with my beach volleyball game and this carries over into my pin hitter position on my high school and club indoor teams. Communication is key in any game, but especially in beach volleyball and I pride myself in the constant communication I provide to my partner or teammates! I also analyze the game and all angles of play, from reading opposing players to coaches and crowd. This makes me very unique in my approach and outlook to the game of volleyball and somewhat rare in my disposition as well.  

I have learned through training, experience, and my obstacles in life that mental toughness and court smarts is equally as important as the physical aspects of the game.  I am known as a leader,  cheerleader and sometimes "assistant coach" on my indoor team. I have learned my role is not just a player on the court, but a motivator, giver of encouragement,  comforter and key communicator. I can easily sense when my team is down or someone makes a mistake, I make sure to use words of encouragement while focusing on what we need to do to get through the next point. I make it a personal point to have a positive attitude no matter what the situation. I am known for my character trait of positivity.  If mistakes are made I have a knack for encouraging my teammate(s) or myself to pick up and carry on, often craving for more as I hunger a serve to be directed toward me to build me back up.  

I am known for my consistency and all-around play on the court. I am also even-tempered on the court and do not get rattled even when the game is on the line. I have a competitive nature, as my sister and parents would all tell you. From softball, to basketball and board games, I always want to win, but I know that winning is not everything. With losses comes life experiences and learning to become a better person, teammate and athlete.  My goal is to attend a college or university to be a scholar first and athlete second.