Published: May 14, 2008 12:05 pm            

Schmitt signs to play volleyball for Millikin

Michelle Schmitt has been a standout athlete in several sports for Effingham St. Anthony High School and now the senior will be whittling those down to just volleyball as she begins college next year.

Schmitt recently inked a letter of intent to play volleyball for Millikin University and Coach Debbie Kiick.

"Michelle is a tremendous athlete coming from a program that has prepared her well both academically and athletically for Millikin University," Kiick said. "Coached and trained by Millikin alum and former volleyball MVP and team captain Marianne Larimer, Michelle has the skills, motivation and team concept that will help her make contributions to our program.

"She is a talented passer, defender and terminator and with four years of valuable competition behind her in a quality program, she has the experience to go with the talent to play at the next level. I feel very fortunate to have her join the Big Blue."

Schmitt, who earned four varsity letters as a defensive specialist for St. Anthony, was named a National Trail First Team All-Conference selection as a senior, when she helped her team to a 30-6 record and a sectional appearance. As a junior, she was named her team's MVP and picked up NTC First team All-Conference honors when her team went 21-16.

"Michelle's contributions to the varsity volleyball team span her four years in high school," said Coach Larimer. "As a freshman, she established herself as a valuable backcourt defender. That varsity squad advanced to the super-sectional that year.

"She assumed a full-time position on the left side for her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. The team also advanced to the super-sectional her sophomore year and reached the 30-win milestone. Twenty wins and the conference tournament championship were realized her junior year. Conference season and tournament championships, the Manteno Classic championship, a regional championship and another 30-win season highlighted her senior season.

"Michelle is a talented athlete who enjoys the competitiveness of matches more than the repetitiveness of practice. She is the type of athlete who finds a way to win. The more competitive the match, the better Michelle played. In that regard, she was a valuable leader for a young, impressionable team.

"Michelle is not extremely vocal on the court, but was a solid, unshakable presence in our program. The team looked to her example in key situations and tense moments. Especially her junior and senior years, Michelle was able to hold back the tide of the opponent's momentum until our team was able to regroup.

"Millikin will offer Michelle chances to compete at the collegiate level. She will fit in well with the volleyball program and the school. Millikin has an excellent nursing program, so she has made an academically sound choice as well.

"Michelle was the team's most valuable player her junior year. She has also been a first-team all-conference selection the past two years. Michelle has left impressionable footprints on our volleyball program and will be missed. My hope is that someone will step into her role and leave tracks that are similarly measured."

Schmitt, the daughter of Michael and Lisa Schmitt, will major in nursing.

"I chose this college because of their excellent nursing program, it is still close to home and I wanted to play volleyball," said Schmitt.

"I need to work on my jumping and serving to compete at the college level. My strengths are passing and hitting, but I still need to improve in those areas."

Schmitt also was involved in basketball, Student Council, Pep Club, school ambassador, CAIROS leader and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Several of the Big Blue's most recognizable faces have graduated leaving Coach Kiick with a freshman new look for 200B. Just five players return with varsity time, which should leave several new players an opportunity to challenge for playing time.

Millie Lange can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 123 or millie.lange@effinghamdailynews.com.