Sept. 5, 2008
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - After making her collegiate debut at the Utes Invitational last weekend, freshman middle blocker Tanya Schmidt checked in with SantaClaraBroncos.com to talk about her first game as a Bronco, why she chose Santa Clara, William Shakespeare and much more.
The Broncos (1-1) travel to the Sheraton Four Points Arizona Invitational this weekend to face Texas Tech, Arizona and Texas State. Schmidt owns the team's fifth best hitting percentage (32.4) and has posted six blocks in her first two appearances in the red and white.
SantaClaraBroncos.com: Why did you choose Santa Clara?
Tanya Schmidt: At first I really wanted to move away from home for college, but after visiting a couple places and Santa Clara, this is where I felt most comfortable. I love the friendly atmosphere, and how welcoming and fun my teammates are. Santa Clara also offers the best balance for me of academics and athletics. I just fell in love with the campus and the fact that the school is Jesuit had a huge appeal for me.
SCB: Where's your favorite place to go in Cupertino, your hometown?
TS: Creekside Park. My dad, sister and I would ride our bikes to the park to play volleyball or basketball or whatever sport we were into at the time. I still work out there. It's a nice, open space with a lively and fun environment.
SCB: So, why volleyball?
TS: I was really into basketball, but I saw my sister, who plays volleyball from UC San Diego, and I wanted to be her. So, I quit basketball and put all my focus on volleyball. I've always primarily have been a middle but I did play outside for a little bit. It was great experience for me because I know understand that position and the importance of my position in relation to that position. It just made me a smarter player.
SCB: What's your favorite aspect of being a middle?
TS: Hitting quicks [laughs], but also drawing the middle on the opposite team off of our outside hitter so that she only have to worry about one blocker. Volleyball is a team game and each person makes an impact, and it makes me really happy when I can help my team.
SCB: Tell us about your first collegiate game? Were you nervous?
TS: I was so grateful to the coaches for putting me on the court. My first match was a great example of cognitive dissonance. I was not nervous mentally but I couldn't control my limbs. It was just really exciting.
SCB: How was your first roadtrip?
TS: I could not stop smiling. I was wearing my warm-ups all the time and it was so hot there. I was sweating with my long sleeves but I kept them on because I was proud to represent Santa Clara in Utah.
SCB: If you could meet any one, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
TS: It's a tie between William Shakespeare and Thomas Jefferson. My family has a tradition of going to Shakespeare in the Park in the summer in Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. I just admire how prolific he was and I believe studying English and literature helps me better understand human nature and he really understood that. Then, last summer my family went on a Northeast adventure. We made a stop at Monticello and I just fell in love with it. While we were in the rose garden I told my parents that when I retire, I'm going to be a tour guide at Monticello.
SCB: Who on the team do you admire the most?
TS: I admire a lot of them but I would choose Anna [Cmaylo]. I get to interact with her a lot because we play the same position. She is an amazing person, very selfless and she wants what is best for the team. She's really down to earth, too. She's also teaching me how to cook!
SCB: How would you describe your team in one word?
TS: United.
SCB: What's something unique about you that most people don't know?
TS: I know the dance to N'Sync's "Bye Bye Bye" and the chorus of Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time." I love dancing.
