10 SECONDS

Justin Siewierski

Editor-In-Chief

js2010@plymouth.edu

As if winning this year’s LEC Defensive Player of the Year in women’s soccer wasn’t enough, Annaliese Schmidt is looking to finish out a strong athletic career as a forward on the women’s basketball team.

Schmidt, a senior Criminal Justice major, didn’t stop at being a two-sport athlete. Becoming a full-time police officer this past summer, Schmidt still manages to find the time to keep her grades up. Selected to the Academic All-District Team this past fall, Schmidt has been a member of the PSU President’s list, a Criminal Justice Ambassador, and a student member for the Academic Integrity Board.

On the soccer field, Schmidt posted 11 shutouts in goal. With a 0.85 goal-against average and a save percentage of .892, she led the Little East Conference in both categories. On the court, Schmidt is looking to have a strong senior campaign. Averaging nearly six rebounds per game in 2015-2016, Schmidt looks to be a force under the basket for the Panthers once again this season.

If you’ve seen Annaliese Schmidt on campus, there’s a good chance she was laughing at something. With a constant smile and humble personality, she is the perfect representation of a leader, both in season and on the sidelines. This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Annaliese Schmidt for this week’s installment of 10 Seconds.

When did you first start playing sports?

I’ve been playing sports for as long as I can remember. I love the team aspect and competitiveness it offers and haven’t been able to get enough of it.

Who's been your biggest athletic influence?

My biggest athletic influence has been Abby Wambach. She is one of the best soccer players of all times and has more international goals than any other soccer player, man or women. She’s helped make women’s soccer what it is today.

You're a two-sport collegiate athlete, and you already work at a job within your major. How do you manage your time?

It’s definitely not easy to do and there is not a lot of free time involved in it but it’s totally worth it. I try and keep my weekends open as much as I can for work and then try and juggle schoolwork and practices and games during the week.

What’s been your favorite moment at Plymouth State?

I’m not sure if I have a favorite moment at PSU because there have been so many but my favorite place here is the PE center. The people who work there immediate make you feel like a part of the family. It’s a place where I know I’ll always have a good time at whether I'm playing a sport or watching it.

I want to reflect on your soccer career, and in particular, this year's quarterfinal first round game. What was going through your head in the last 20 minutes of play? What was it like to come away as the winning keeper in an unbeliev able shootout?

That whole game was insane! The last 20 minutes were so nerve-racking! I just kept thinking that we needed to keep it in Dartmouth’s half and we’ll score, all we need is one. It felt amazing after we made it that far. My defense was a brick wall the entire game and saves multiple goals from going in. It was just an incredible game that I got to experience with my best friends and is one I will never forget.

Upon finishing your high school career at Newmarket High School, did you ever think you'd be playing two sports in your senior year of college?

I had no idea I would be playing two sports in college. I knew I definitely wanted to play soccer but was unsure about trying out for basketball. After two years I realized how much I missed playing and decided to try out. Now I can’t imagine finishing my senior year without playing both.

Do you have a preferred sport?

I love playing both soccer and basketball, but if I had to pick I would have to go with soccer.

What's one thing you can take away from collegiate athletics in the future?

The team comradery is something that will always stay with me. I have met people here through sports that will stay my friends for life. I’ll definitely miss the competitiveness of the game but hopefully I’ll be able to experience it again one day while coaching a team of my own.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

In five years I hope to be working full time as a police officer with a coaching soccer in whatever town I am working in. Plus I’ll probably have a bunch of dogs too, because who wouldn’t.

Why did you choose Plymouth?

I chose Plymouth because of the small town like atmosphere it has. When I came up to Plymouth and met the soccer team I was sold. I have loved every minute of it and will be sad to leave in May.