For Lucy Schmidt, Tyler Junior College stood out as the right fit because of the environment created by the coaching staff and the genuine support she felt throughout the recruiting process. Coach Goldman made a strong impression on Lucy by making her feel valued not only as a player, but as a person, which ultimately became one of the biggest factors in her decision. She was also drawn to the program’s reputation as one of the top JUCO programs in the nation, offering a highly competitive environment while still prioritizing athlete development and growth. Adding to the excitement was the comfort of knowing one of her close friends would be attending a school just minutes away, helping make the transition feel even more special.

As she prepares for this next chapter, Lucy is most excited about the opportunity to compete at a higher level while continuing to grow both on and off the court. She looks forward to surrounding herself with teammates who share the same passion, drive, and love for the game. Beyond volleyball, Lucy is excited for the experience of college athletics and the opportunity to continue preparing for her long-term future goals, including serving an LDS mission before eventually transferring to a university and continuing her playing career at the highest level possible.

Lucy believes she’ll bring a hard-working and positive mindset to the Tyler program. She prides herself on being a dependable teammate who competes hard, brings energy daily, and supports the people around her through encouragement and consistency. She’s eager to continue learning from those around her while doing everything she can to contribute to the success and culture of the team.

This commitment also carries deep meaning for Lucy and her family because of the sacrifices and support that helped make this opportunity possible. From countless hours in the gym to the time and energy invested throughout her volleyball journey, Lucy recognizes how much her family has poured into helping her reach this point. Being able to continue playing at the collegiate level is something she takes great pride in, and she views this commitment as just the beginning of the future she has envisioned for herself. With plans to serve an LDS mission and eventually return to continue competing and transferring to a university program, Lucy is excited for everything that lies ahead both on and off the court.