Senior Wyatt Schmidt has played soccer since he was three or four years old because it was what his whole family played. Schmidt has now finished his last season at La Salle, which ended on very good terms. 

Schmidt loves the problem-solving aspect of the team, as well as the relationships that are built. The practices are always filled with laughter and players who are ready to push themselves to get better. “They’re all just really smart, funny, energetic guys,” he said. 

This season has been most memorable for Schmidt as it has been a “journey,” he said. “We all wanted the same outcome, so I think that built a lot of new relationships for me,” he said. 

This season has also not been the easiest for Schmidt individually, as he had been battling a sprained ankle, concussion, and hyperextended knee. Through all this, though, Schmidt still stayed positive and was proud of the season his team had together. 

Schmidt usually played center back, but this season he filled the position of striker. His favorite position, though, is center defensive mid, because “it’s the most challenging and you really have to lead the team and find a balance between defense and offense,” he said. 

Schmidt has played on two other teams before coming to play for La Salle, and continues to play for his club team Thelo United FC. 

Before games, Schmidt’s pre-game ritual is to put his left sock on his right foot and right sock on his left foot. “I did that on accident one time, and then I played really well so I just kept doing it,” he said. 

Schmidt’s favorite song to play before a game is anything by Chief Keef. “Chief Keef always hits,” he said. 

Someone who has inspired Schmidt to play and who is a role model for him is his father. His father was an assistant coach for Southeast Soccer Club, which was one of the teams Wyatt played for. Anthony, the head coach of Southeast, is another role model for Schmidt. “He was a big part of my youth because I really liked that team. It was a big part of my life, so was he,” he said. 

Schmidt’s favorite class this year is Anatomy and Physiology. “It’s not necessarily something I’m interested in, but it’s interesting,” he said.   

Ms. Karen Kessler is Schmidt’s favorite teacher at La Salle. She is really close with his sister and because of that he has also built a strong relationship with her. 

If Schmidt could tell freshmen what to expect coming into La Salle, he would tell them about the community and how supportive and caring the teachers are here. “It’s a really close community, it’s positive,” he said.