Horace Mann鈥檚 Olivia Schmidt keeps eyes up, energy high
WAUSAU, Wis. — At just 14 years old, Olivia Schmidt is already building a strong foundation as a student-athlete.
An eighth grader at Horace Mann, Olivia competes in basketball and track, with four years on the court and a second season on the track. She suits up for East Girl Travel Basketball and Horace Mann Girls Basketball, bringing a defensive edge and team-first mentality every time she steps into the game.
For Olivia, basketball is about more than just scoring, it鈥檚 about connection.
鈥淚 enjoy getting close with my teammates and playing defense,鈥� said Olivia.
That focus on relationships shows up in how she approaches one of the biggest challenges in sports, managing her emotions on the court. Whether it鈥檚 her own off day or a teammate鈥檚, Olivia understands how quickly energy can shift a game. Her solution? Reset the mindset.
鈥淚 always make sure everyone and myself is in a good headspace,鈥� said Olivia.
That emotional awareness is paired with a growing confidence, fueled by advice she carries with her.
“I try to stay confident and trust my gut,” said Olivia.
It鈥檚 something she reinforces even before tipoff, often talking with her parents about her goals for each game. This is a pregame ritual that keeps Olivia both focused and grounded.
Olivia鈥檚 growth mindset is evident in how she handles mistakes. She recalls an early game where she forgot to turn and look for the ball during a transition. After coaching feedback, she adjusted, running wider, keeping her eyes up and quickly saw results, turning those moments into scoring opportunities.
Off the court, Olivia enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing with her dogs, and staying focused on school. Looking ahead, she鈥檚 excited to continue competing in high school basketball, explore other sports, and see just how far her abilities can take her.
Through it all, one lesson stands out to her. It’s important to cheer others on and be confident in them. Combined with her coach鈥檚 advice to ‘play hard, play loud and have fun,’ Olivia is proving that success in sports starts from within.
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