Stephanie Schmidt was named Wheaton's head volleyball coach on March 1, 2017. Schmidt came to Wheaton after five seasons as the head volleyball coach at North Central University (Minn.), an NCAA Division III institution in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC).
In her time at the Minneapolis school, Schmidt improved North Central's winning percentage 35% in her five-year tenure. In 2015, Schmidt guided the Rams to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Tournament for the first time in program history. Four North Central players earned NCCAA All-Region recognition in her tenure, and one NCU player picked up NCCAA All-America honorable mention recognition.
Prior to her tenure at North Central, Schmidt coached Anoka Ramsey JO Volleyball (2006-2008) and Montgomery-Lonsdale/Tri-City United JO Volleyball (2009-2011). Schmidt has also coached with and taught private lessons through Crossfire Volleyball (2012-2014). She has earned USAV IMPACT certification and a CAP I certificate through USA Volleyball.
A 2008 graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, Schmidt earned her B.A. in Journalism. She played two seasons for the Royals and was a starter for a Bethel team that advanced to the second round of the 2007 NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament and ended the season ranked 21st in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Coaches Poll. Following her time at Bethel, Schmidt earned a Master's Degree in Communication Studies from Minnesota State-Mankato in 2010.
Schmidt noted at the time of her hiring, "I am so grateful to Athletic Director Julie Davis for entrusting me with this program and giving me the opportunity to lead the women of Wheaton volleyball. Wheaton College is an incredible institution, and I am thrilled to join a community that clearly prioritizes faith development and the work of the Kingdom while setting a high standard for academics and athletics. I look forward to coaching and mentoring these young women in faith, life, and volleyball."
Schmidt noted of taking over the Thunder volleyball program, "Wheaton volleyball has been a strong program within a very tough conference. I am a very relational coach, and my hope is that we continue the long-standing tradition of a close-knit culture that values Christ above all else, while seeking competitive excellence. Benchmarks like winning percentages or conference championships are great, and absolutely a part of our vision, but my specific goals are more centered around creating and sustaining a gym atmosphere of fast-paced play, defensive intensity, and team standards to which we hold each other accountable. I believe if we focus on doing the little things with greatness and consistency, those benchmark moments will follow."
