Along the way, the Hastings, Minn., graduate also became the first Minnesota woman track and field athlete to compete in three events at the 2001 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, earning a personal best in the hammer throw at 192-8, to place 12th. She also finished 11th in the shot put and sixth in the discus, earning All-American status for the fourth time in her career.

Schmitt was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor for Minnesota. Chosen by each school faculty, a Medal of Honor is awarded to a female and male athlete based on a combination of athletic and academic accomplishments. At this year?s Big Ten Championships, she placed second in the discus and shot put and third in the hammer throw.

Schmitt, a biology major, also spent time working as a veterinary technician at a clinic and plans to apply for veterinary school in 2002. Although all of this sounds challenging and demanding, Schmitt loves to learn, whether it?s physical movements that sports provides or knowledge acquired in the classroom. She learns quickly. Schmitt didn?t even pick up track and field throws until the end of her senior year in high school. She quickly adapted to the technical requirements of each throw. According to Schmitt, the shot put is an intensive competition, requiring strength and explosiveness, while the discus and hammer throws are more rhythmic and graceful, combined with explosiveness. She participated in the 2000 Olympic Trials and hopes to compete in the trials in 2004, with her ultimate goal of becoming a member of the 2004 Olympic team.

"Passion and dedication are a must, and as long as you have these, you will be successful," says Schmitt. "Never lose sight of your dreams. It will pay off in the future." With veterinary school and the Olympic Trials ahead, Schmitt is heeding her own advice.