Sierra Schmidt Explains Move to Arizona, Training with Father in Pro Transition

In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman HodgesGarrett McCaffrey, and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.

We sat down with Sierra Schmidt, the Michigan All-American who recently moved to Scottsdale, where her parents just bought a house, to train with her father in the lead-up to Olympic Trials. Schmidt eloquently explains that she’s excited to continue her career as a pro, sharing that she believes she’s not done learning the lessons the sport has to teach her.

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Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.

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MaggieMacNeilWalker
2 years ago

One of the more cerebral and interesting interviews from a college swimmer that we’ve seen.
Well done!

DIII
2 years ago

So remarkably articulate. Well done, Sierra!

Geoff Mykleby
2 years ago

Great interview! Mature and unselfish response to her 5th year rejection and how it affects entering 1st year swimmers and future recruits . Interesting that she is going to the center of 5th year participation and red shirting……ASU/Phoenix

Ghost
Reply to  Geoff Mykleby
2 years ago

I think it is strange she didn’t land immediately at ASU. I guess she didn’t have the best experience with Bob at NBAC?!?

Guerra
Reply to  Ghost
2 years ago

Most of his swimmers don’t have a good experience with him. Look at the poor results at Arizona State and previous jobs.

Corn Pop
Reply to  Guerra
2 years ago

Who exactly is in his non NCAA programme? I can understand he is not interested in swimmers who can not make world class. Honestly who is?

Miitai
Reply to  Corn Pop
2 years ago

I guess 99% of coaches should give it up then.

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  Guerra
2 years ago

Phelps, Chase, Schmitty. Not bad.

Swimmer Steve
Reply to  Ghost
2 years ago

Probably more so that Erik Posegay was her main coach

Two cents
Reply to  Swimmer Steve
2 years ago

She’s a product of GAAC before NBAC. Shoulberg and his age group coaches should have plenty of credit for her developmental years before Posegay and Bowman.

Mgoblue
Reply to  Two cents
2 years ago

Credit for almost destroying her? Truth is her success (world junior champion, pan am games champ, etc.) came after she left the toxic environment of GAAC.

Hswimmer
2 years ago

Can’t wait to see how she does at trials and in the future. I could see her sticking around for a while.

Pez
2 years ago

loved her response to not choosing to take a fifth year

SwimFani
2 years ago

Good for her!

Corn Pop
2 years ago

Will all these people actually make a living ?

Miitai
Reply to  Corn Pop
2 years ago

And that’s what you got out this interview? #missedthepoint

Corn Pop
Reply to  Miitai
2 years ago

I didn’t listen . I only know she used to be a 4.08 / 8.28 swimmer once upon a time. That is not going to earn much .

Last edited 2 years ago by Corn Pop
Miitai
Reply to  Corn Pop
2 years ago

Used to be? She’s been on the national team for the past four years and had best times at the last nationals in 2019. By your rationale a majority of athletes shouldn’t bother either, but kudos to her for giving it a shot.

Hswimmer
Reply to  Corn Pop
2 years ago

She was 8:27/4:07 2019 and is improving

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