FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — St. John's Country Day sophomore Sydney Schmidt recently returned from Turkey, where she achieved a remarkable feat as part of the U.S. Under-16 Women's National Team, winning the UEFA Friendship Tournament.
"Honestly, one of the most incredible experiences of my life," says Schmidt, reflecting on her time in Turkey.
However, the true treasures of the experience lie beyond the soccer pitch.
"My team became extremely close with Botswana and Vietnam. And even though with Vietnam we couldn't speak their language, we'd sit in circles with Google Translate, and we'd talk back and forth for hours," said Schmidt.
On the field, Sydney faced a challenge, playing at outside back despite her usual position as a midfielder. Embracing this change, she remarks, "that's one of the biggest keys to the development of a player, in my opinion. I feel like being comfortable doesn't really get your better, but putting yourself in uncomfortable positions is what's going to get you better in the long run."
But Schmidt loves to embrace challenges, as she's taking things a step further.
"I'm going to start playing with boys this season. Obviously, their pace is so much faster. I feel like being able to know exactly where I'm going, thinking two or three passes ahead is just going to really help me develop as a player."
Having the opportunity to travel abroad and play for the youth national team at such a young age pushes Sydney to work even harder for what's to come.
"Being here at school is just like normal life. But when I'm at these events for soccer, it's like wow. It's more of a job rather than just a sport you play for fun. I think that's so cool for me because that's what I'm looking to do in the future. It's like a little snapshot of what my future could look like, and it's really, really fun to see."
Schmidt said her ultimate goal is to go pro and play for the United States Women's National Soccer Team, but she's excited to finally be able to contact college coaches beginning on June 15.
She says her top two choices would be the University of Florida and Florida State.