I’ve seen Schmidt in a ton of highlights over the past couple years but I was excited to watch her more at the X in November.  Her play is simply electric.  It’s no wonder she was named to Class AAAA All-State, Class AAAA All Tournament Team, and AVCA Phenom Watch List.

Coming in at #5 is Anya Schmidt Anya Schmidt 5'10" | S Rogers | 2025 State MN .  Schmidt is a crazy athletic setter/pin hitter.  She is a 2-time Class AAAA All-State and All-Tournament Team honoree.  Schmidt was also named to the 2022 AVCA Phenom Watchlist and played her club ball with Club Velocity 16-1.  Most recently she made her commitment to Division 1 St. Thomas as she heads into her junior season.  Schmidt is dynamic as an attacker, setter, as well as relentless as a defender.  She puts up a huge block and has a gnarly serve that gives opposing passers nightmares.

She certainly has plenty of competition in the setting position with the likes of: Reese Axness Reese Axness 5'9" | S Champlin Park | 2025 State MN , Teagan Jaynes Teagan Jaynes 6'0" | S Northfield | 2025 State MN , Addison Rossum Addison Rossum 5'11" | S Alexandria | 2025 State MN , and Alexis Opland Alexis Opland 6'2" | S East Ridge | 2025 State MN all within the top 20.

Schmidt is a fun athlete to watch because of her aggressive nature and inteligent physicality.  By that, I mean she is so dynamic in her movement and she sees the court so well that she knows exactly where to put the ball to score.  It’s clear she plays beach with her ability to strategize and execute a gameplan.  And then there is her serve.  If you can return that then you better capitalize because you don’t want her to serve again.