Blanchard’s Addison Schmidt
Addison Schmidt did not grow up as a longtime soccer player, but the Blanchard High School senior has quickly become part of the foundation of the Lady Lions varsity program.
Schmidt, who plays mainly forward or striker and sometimes center back, said her path in the sport is still new. She started playing soccer only last year, yet she already sees growth in her game and understands where she wants to improve.
“I just started soccer last year, so my skill set is not super great,” Schmidt said. “I need to work on my ball handling and also my shooting. I feel like I have already improved so much since last year, but I do have a long way to go.”
That honesty reflects the attitude Schmidt brings to a young Blanchard team that has developed a strong bond while working to establish itself.
“I love that we are so close to each other and that we work well together,” Schmidt said. “It’s such a close-knit team that we all enjoy and have fun together in.”
For Schmidt, wearing the Blanchard jersey means more than competing in matches. She said being part of the school’s first soccer team has given players a chance to change expectations and prove the program belongs.
“Representing Blanchard school is special to me because this is the first ever soccer team at Blanchard and a lot of people expected us to be not that good,” Schmidt said. “I feel like we have come out the last two years and outshone everyone’s expectations, which is why I’m so happy to be a part of this team because we are always working our hardest to prove everyone wrong.”
Schmidt also credits her parents for helping shape her mindset. She said her father has always pushed her to compete and persevere, while her mother has supported her by learning every sport she has played and cheering from the sideline.
She also pointed to Blanchard’s captains — Layla Sullivan, Sullivan Sneed and Kaydence Hennigh — as teammates who have left a lasting impression because of the example they set each game.
After graduation, Schmidt plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and study engineering. For now, she remains focused on helping the Lady Lions continue building something new.
