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Freestyle/IM/Butterfly
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Photo by: Bjorn Franke
Get to Know: Summer Schmit
12/27/2022 10:02:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
There are 18 newcomers to the Minnesota Swimming and Diving programs for the 2022-23 season. In order to get to know them better, GopherSports.com is doing Q&As with each.
Up next, Summer Schmit, a freshman from Stillwater, Minn. Schmit is a member of the U.S. Paralympic Team, and she competed at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games where she finished fifth in the 200m IM, sixth in the 100m fly and seventh in the 400m free. In addition, at the 2022 World Championships, Schmit earned a bronze medal in the 400m freestyle and placed fourth in the 200m IM.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming?
Summer Schmit: "I started competitive swimming at 11 years old after being in swim lessons and on a non-competitive team to learn the basics. I got into swimming after trying soccer and gymnastics."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
SS: "I first realized I might be able to swim in college during high school as I watched my club teammates commit to various schools."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
SS: "My recruiting process was great. I met most of the coaches in the fall of my senior year when I took a visit to Minnesota. I really enjoyed my time on campus and felt a great connection to everyone."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
BN: "I chose Minnesota because I connected well with the coaches and liked their philosophy. I could see myself fitting in well and I also loved the facilities and resources available for student-athletes."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming?
BN: "The primary difference I have noticed is the atmosphere of being surrounded by my friends and teammates. We eat, study, and swim together every day. This has been one of my favorite parts of being on the team and at Minnesota."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
BN: "I really appreciate everyone on the team for making the environment so welcoming and wonderful. I have felt particularly welcomed within my practice group with the distance swimmers who have all helped me in this transition."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
BN: "I don't really have any specific rituals, but I do like to visualize my races before competitions."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
BN: "My favorite event to swim is the 200 fly because it is a race you have to give your all every time you swim it. This event is mentally and physically challenging which makes it even more fun to do."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
BN: "I am looking forward to making life-long relationships with my teammates and coaches throughout my time here as a Gopher."
Out of the Pool with Summer
Favorite spot on campus: Bierman Atrium
Favorite Food: Any Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream
Favorite TV Show: Gilmore Girls
Hidden talent: I can unicycle
Sport you're best at other than swimming/diving: Soccer
Favorite moment of your swimming/diving career: Swimming in Tokyo at the Paralympics
Up next, Summer Schmit, a freshman from Stillwater, Minn. Schmit is a member of the U.S. Paralympic Team, and she competed at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games where she finished fifth in the 200m IM, sixth in the 100m fly and seventh in the 400m free. In addition, at the 2022 World Championships, Schmit earned a bronze medal in the 400m freestyle and placed fourth in the 200m IM.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming?
Summer Schmit: "I started competitive swimming at 11 years old after being in swim lessons and on a non-competitive team to learn the basics. I got into swimming after trying soccer and gymnastics."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
SS: "I first realized I might be able to swim in college during high school as I watched my club teammates commit to various schools."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
SS: "My recruiting process was great. I met most of the coaches in the fall of my senior year when I took a visit to Minnesota. I really enjoyed my time on campus and felt a great connection to everyone."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
BN: "I chose Minnesota because I connected well with the coaches and liked their philosophy. I could see myself fitting in well and I also loved the facilities and resources available for student-athletes."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming?
BN: "The primary difference I have noticed is the atmosphere of being surrounded by my friends and teammates. We eat, study, and swim together every day. This has been one of my favorite parts of being on the team and at Minnesota."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
BN: "I really appreciate everyone on the team for making the environment so welcoming and wonderful. I have felt particularly welcomed within my practice group with the distance swimmers who have all helped me in this transition."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
BN: "I don't really have any specific rituals, but I do like to visualize my races before competitions."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
BN: "My favorite event to swim is the 200 fly because it is a race you have to give your all every time you swim it. This event is mentally and physically challenging which makes it even more fun to do."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
BN: "I am looking forward to making life-long relationships with my teammates and coaches throughout my time here as a Gopher."
Out of the Pool with Summer
Favorite spot on campus: Bierman Atrium
Favorite Food: Any Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream
Favorite TV Show: Gilmore Girls
Hidden talent: I can unicycle
Sport you're best at other than swimming/diving: Soccer
Favorite moment of your swimming/diving career: Swimming in Tokyo at the Paralympics
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