Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton College Athletics Director Julie Davis has announced the hiring of Stephanie Schmidt as the head coach of the Thunder volleyball program. Schmidt replaces Brittany Smith, who announced her resignation in November after four season at the helm of the Wheaton volleyball program.

Schmidt spent the past five seasons as the head volleyball coach at North Central University (Minn.), a NCAA Division III institution in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). In her time at the Minneapolis, Minnesota 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 since 2007. Four North Central players earned NCCAA All-Region recognition in her tenure and one NCU player picked up NCCAA All-America honorable mention recognition.

Davis mentions, "I am excited to welcome Coach Schmidt to the Wheaton Athletics family. Another successful Division III Coach recommended her to me, and I appreciate that she is coming to us from a like-minded Division III school." Davis continues, "After getting to know Coach Schmidt through the interview process it was clear to me she has the qualities we are looking for in a head coach: an authentic commitment to Christ and a desire to help students grow in the context of competitive athletics."  

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 USAVolleyball.

A 2008 graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., Schmidt earned her B.A. in Journalism. She played two seasons career for the Royals, and was a was a starter for a Royals team that advanced to the second round of the 2007 NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament and ended the season ranked 21st in American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Coaches Poll.

Schmidt says of her hiring, "I am so grateful to 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 notes 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."