Sarah Schmid made a name for herself on both sides of the net with the Denver women's volleyball team. From 2013-2015, the Highlands Ranch, Colorado native boasted a .380 attack percentage, best in program history, and 315 block assists, 7^th-most in program history, in a total of 98 matches. She won two Summit League championships and made two NCAA tournament appearances with the Pioneers. Today, she resides in Scottsdale, Arizona where she is remains entrenched in the sport, coaching, rehabbing and training before returning overseas to play pro.  
 
Why did you choose to attend the University of Denver?
I actually attended Rutgers University in New Jersey my freshman year because I originally wanted to experience a new part of the country and not be so close to home. I had a great experience there, but turns out I did actually want to be close to home and my family, and no place can compare to Colorado, so I transferred (to DU) after my freshman year. I chose DU in particular because it has great academics, an amazing athletic program, and it was a really good fit for me. 
 
What is your favorite memory from your time with the Pioneers?
I have so many wonderful memories such as playing in front of huge crowds at Nebraska, Washington, and Kansas, locker room dance parties, team bonding nights, winning two conference championships and making it to the NCAA tourney twice, and honestly even the grind of lifting and practicing with my teammates every day. But, I would have to say that the conference championship my senior year was my favorite. Coming back from a 2-0 deficit against South Dakota to win in 5 sets - it was such a fun battle and I'll never forget that feeling. 

Where are you living and what are you doing now?
I just got married and moved down to Scottsdale, Arizona where my husband is in medical school. I'm coaching a JV high school team, rehabbing from shoulder surgery, and training to go back and play overseas. I've been playing professional volleyball the last three seasons in Europe in Sweden, Switzerland, and France. 

How did your time at the University of Denver prepare you for life after volleyball?
The education I received and the life skills I learned from being a college athlete have definitely prepared me for life after college. It helped me learn how to constantly strive to be better and never stop learning. I also never would have been able to play professionally without such high-level training and competition from the DU volleyball program and the connections I made from DU. 

What advice do you have for the current Pioneers about life after college?
I would say that you don't have to have everything all figured out right after college. It's ok to explore different passions and dreams and see where life takes you, because it can be pretty exciting. And if you ever need anything, the DUVB family will always be there for you. 

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