Lydia Schmitt '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Lydia Schmitt and I attend North Thurston High School in Lacey, Washington as a member of the class of 2023.  I have always loved swimming. I grew up on the Puget Sound splashing in the water with my two Golden Retrievers, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, and jumping into the pool at a local athletic club. I started officially swimming when I was nine-months-old going from lessons as a toddler to swim club as I got older.  I have always loved experiencing new things and taking on new challenges including basketball, cross country, track, playing cello, singing in choir, theater, Girl Scouts, hiking, volunteering, and cooking. When I was a seventh grader, I decided to take a break from club swimming to participate in AAU basketball and to focus on academics.  Even though I took two-years off from competitive swimming, as a freshman, I was on the Varsity Swim Team and attended the 3A State Swim Meet as a relay alternate.

Along with being an athlete, my education is another top priority of mine. I challenge myself with taking honors and AP classes, learning Spanish, and singing in the elite choir group at my school because these experiences allow me to learn more about myself and what my goals are for the future. Growing up in a positive and supportive atmosphere within my family, school, and community has been a huge part of my success. Because of this, I feel giving back to others is crucial. I'm part of the Interact Club, which has given me opportunities to volunteer at the Thurston County Food Bank along with helping to clean up local parks. I also help teach a Sunday school class to three-year-olds, which is a lot of fun and teaches patience.  

Like I previously stated, swimming is a huge part of my life. When I started swimming again, I realized how much I had missed it. My high school team was welcoming and supportive of everyone. I enjoyed racing and pushing myself to my limits to achieve faster times, but also bonding with my team members and challenging them to strive towards greatness. I have a goal to help carry forward this positive energy and to become a captain and a leader on my team. I also have a goal to swim an individual event at state this coming season if it happens with the uncertainty of being an athlete during these difficult times of navigating the pandemic. Swimming has led me to understand discipline and dedication like nothing else and it has had a large influence on who I am along with who I want to become. This is why I want to continue my journey with swimming as a collegiate athlete so I can continue to compete, improve, and push new limits with the sport that I love.