Natalie Schmitt '24 Recruiting Profile

I have wanted to play college hockey since “Skating with the Tigers” after a Princeton University women’s ice hockey game when I was 4 years old.  For thirty minutes after the game I was able to get on the ice at Hobey Baker arena with the players!  What a thrill!  The players skated with their young fans and signed autograph books.  One of the players, #2 Kelly Cooke, took the time to talk with me and asked if I wanted to play ice hockey someday.  Despite me being hesitant and reserved, she encouraged me to follow my dreams.  She shared how she too started skating when she was just 3 years old.  I thoroughly enjoyed coming to the arena and watching the women’s ice hockey games.  Kelly influenced me with her fast, aggressive, and smart play.   I could see myself following the same path.  From that point on, I had focus, determination and drive.  My strive of playing college hockey has been my desire to play at the most competitive levels and learn the game from the best coaches. These advancements could help me to achieve some of my stretch goals such as playing in the NWHL and the Olympics. 

As a well-rounded top athlete and student, I have a great deal to offer colleges. I know that I can provide high levels of effort and help raise the team by doing so. I am also known for paying close attention and following the coaches game plan. Last season, my Coach made me Assistant Captain because he felt my strong work ethic made me a good leader through example.  He also let me know that he appreciated that I pay close attention and can lead others through the plan.  On another note, I play on multiple teams in several different sports including, soccer, track, swimming, and field hockey.  I find I am able to adapt these different skill sets and strategies into my hockey game. I find this provides a level of creativity and overall fitness, which gives me an advantage over single sport athletes.

Moreover, I can truly be differentiated from other candidates through my ability to balance my athletics and academics. I have set my academics to high standards and I have a growth mindset.  I strive to achieve excellence through the time and thought I put into my work.  I have been able to successfully balance all of my school work with hockey and other activities. Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of mathematics and the problem solving aspects involved with completing and understanding assignments. I am hoping I can apply these skills to related course work in the engineering or architecture fields. I have a strong interest in designing things. I believe that these fields will fulfill my desire to be a productive member of society and allow me to design improvements for a green and bright future.