Senior Spotlight: Haley Schmidt

Known for her profound leadership, companionship, and drive on the soccer field, in the gym, and in the classroom, Haley Schmidt continues to make her mark as a star athlete. Her soccer career began roughly 7 years ago when she first realized her abilities on the local RYSA Wildcats team. Having been surrounded by a soccer-oriented family, she gained inspiration and love for the sport by her father, a key mentor and influential figure in her success. In addition to being selected captain for the Ramapo girls team, she was also chosen to represent this role on her travel team, the NJ Stallions. She has shown her commitment to this team for over 7 years and has grown as a soccer player from her influential coach, who played for the Israeli National Team. Haley has also proven her devotion towards the community, as she took part in refereeing the local recreation teams and contributed to the Top Soccer Buddy Program where she taught special needs children the basics of the game. 

As a defensive center midfielder, Haley plays a significant role on the field, both offensively and defensively. Her ability to connect passes and share the ball with the whole team is something that she is most recognized for. 

Schmidt’s success has been acknowledged through her acquisition of notable awards over the years and for being selected for some competitive teams and organizations. She received 1st team all-league (3 years), 1st team all-county, and all-state honors recognition. She was also selected to play in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) where she competed with other highly skilled players from all over the state of New Jersey. A few years ago, she was also selected to play on the Next Generation Regional Team, where she and other talented players traveled to compete in games and practices in Montreal, Canada. However, one of her most noteworthy achievements was her commitment to play D1 soccer at her dream school, the University of Pittsburgh. 

Here at Ramapo, Schmidt helped lead the team to many successes and league championships in which during her junior year, the girls won the Northern New Jersey league and the Bergen County tournament against Ridgewood. She also contributed to the team’s win at the State Group 3 Sectional and their eventual State Group 3 Finals appearance where they unfortunately lost. Sadly, this year, due to COVID they haven’t participated in any tournaments; however, the captain has led the team in acquiring their record of 8 wins and 2 losses. 

Haley has been recognized for being a vocal leader, a team player, a positive figure, and, above all, a great teammate. Although she is usually the smallest player on the field at just 5’2, she manages to physically battle and compete in the midfield against much taller players. 

Despite some adversity that she has faced over the years, Haley has continued to push through it all. Facing numerous injuries such as concussions, constant hamstring tears, and an appendix removal, she has exemplified her mental and physical strength by getting right back onto the field right after her recovery. 

She has been preparing for the next step in her collegiate soccer career with weight training, 6 mile runs, personal trainers, proper dieting, practices, and games. In doing this, Schmidt has also been working towards her future goal of competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with national team players and athletes from all over the world. 

Haley remarks on her past experiences at Ramapo stating, “I am so thankful for the best four years of my life, playing alongside my best friends and being mentored by some of the greatest coaches and staff.” 

Wishing success on future Ramapo teams, she also says, “I am so glad to have been surrounded by such a positive atmosphere and I am devastated that it has come to an end. However, I am so excited for what is to come in the next phase of my life. I wish the best of luck to the Ramapo soccer community, and, in the years to come, I know they are going to do amazing things.” 

Ultimately, Schmidt has greatly contributed to the team by inspiring her underclassmen to work hard and leading the team in many great titles. The team, community, and staff will miss you greatly, and we wish you luck at Pittsburgh!