Kimberly Schmitt doesn't slow down. The Newfane High School senior is a whirlwind of activity, balancing three sports, all-county trombone, a 4.0 GPA, and work on her family's farm. You might wonder when she finds time to just be a kid—but for Schmitt, staying busy is exactly how she thrives.
"Honestly, being busy is who I am," she says. "I love to be busy. All my best friends play the sports I play, so I get to have fun every single day while working hard."
Her days start early on the farm, where she cares for the family's dog, 45 chickens, four emus, and five goats—making sure none of those goats have staged an escape. After school, it's straight to practice for volleyball, swimming, or softball, depending on the season. And through it all, she's earned a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the program.
Head coach Craig Isaacson has seen her relentless drive inspire the entire team. "Her work ethic definitely impacts others," he says. "Other players have started asking for additional reps. When they make mistakes in practice, they ask for another ball." That leadership has made Schmitt a natural choice as team captain during her senior year.
On the diamond this season, Schmitt is hitting .400 with two home runs, 18 hits, and 14 runs scored. While her average has dipped from last year's eye-popping .736, she's found new ways to contribute—drawing walks and getting hit by pitches at a high rate to keep reaching base. Coach Isaacson calls her "a combination of hitting the ball well, hitting it deep, and being our anchor at first base."
Even with her team sitting at 2-12, Schmitt's mindset never wavers. That mental toughness comes from her background as a swimmer, where she learned to keep pushing regardless of the clock. "Whatever happens on the diamond, I forget about it and keep going," she says.
That same determination will carry her to Hilbert College this fall, where she'll continue both her volleyball and softball careers—playing as an outside pin hitter on the court and first base/pitcher on the field. "It means so much to me because I've worked so hard my whole life," Schmitt reflects. "No one sees the extra hours you put in. No one sees the extra reps. Every single one."
From the farm to the field, Kimberly Schmitt is proof that being busy isn't just a schedule—it's a way of life that builds champions.