NAIA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT:Schmidt makes Lions special

Coach Russ Davis speaks the words so often, they have virtually become a mantra around the Vanguard University women’s basketball program.

“Kelly’s Kelly,” he typically says when initiating any discussion of senior Kelly Schmidt, a four-time All-American who is coming to the end of a remarkable career.

When Schmidt, a 6-foot forward, weaves around and/or barrels through taller opponents to finish in the paint, Davis whispers to himself, “Kelly’s Kelly.”

When Schmidt repeatedly drains clutch shots and free throws, or snags a key rebound to clinch yet another victory, Davis proclaims, “Kelly’s Kelly.”

When Schmidt falls with a thud, inducing yet another bruise on her battered body, then gets up and trots purposefully to the other end, enforcing her unrelenting focus on the next play, Davis admiringly states, “Kelly’s Kelly.”

When the 2006 NAIA and two-time Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year voluntarily diminishes her shots in order to amplify the Lions’ offensive balance, a move that pares roughly eight points off her scoring average and helps teammate Jessica Richter collect NAIA and GSAC Player of the Year honors, Davis professes, “Kelly’s Kelly.”

And when Schmidt dismisses talk of her declining numbers by dispensing genuine joy over the greater recognition it has created for Richter and fellow senior Lacey Burns, Davis, as if finding more elaborate words to express his appreciation for this once-in-a-lifetime player is too great a challenge, repeats “Kelly’s Kelly.”

Schmidt, is the school’s career leader in points (2,617), rebounds (1,040) and several other categories heading into the top-seeded Lions’ NAIA Tournament semifinal against Cumberland of Tennessee (26-7) today at 4 p.m. at Oman Arena in Jackson, Tenn.

As selfless and humble as she is talented and tenacious, Schmidt said she could never have imagined accomplishing so much at Vanguard, when she arrived from Ironwood High in Glendale, Ariz.

“I never came here expecting to or wanting to break records,” said Schmidt, who will graduate this spring with a degree in liberal studies and plans to pursue her teaching credential at Vanguard while helping coach the Lions next season. “I wanted to come in and just play my hardest. [My career] is just something I was blessed to be able to do.”

At her final home game — the GSAC Tournament final against Point Loma Nazarene on March 5 — Schmidt was presented with a basketball, upon which her numerous career accomplishments were written.

There was barely enough writing surface to include them all.

With potentially two games left, she has started all 134 of Vanguard’s games the last four seasons. For her career, she has averaged 19.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals. She has converted 893 of her 1,588 field-goal attempts (56.2%) and has netted 857 of 1223 foul shots (70%).

And, as Davis likes to point out, the Lions are 125-9 in Schmidt’s four seasons, a winning percentage of .933. Ten of those wins have come at the NAIA Tournament, where this year, she is averaging 17 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and is shooting 63.6% from the field (14 for 22). She is also 24 of 29 from the foul line (82.8%), in three tournament wins this season.

“It’s cool,” Schmidt said of her astounding statistical profile at Vanguard, which is 31-0 entering tonight’s game and has been ranked No. 1 in NAIA Division I all season. “It’s crazy and it’s weird. It’s surprising, but it’s really cool.”

Schmidt said she was dismissed as a “tweener” by Arizona State and she lost interest in Northern Arizona and Dartmouth after visiting Vanguard as a prospective recruit.

“I never thought I would have come to Vanguard,” she recalled. “But when I got here and met everybody, I just knew this was where I wanted to come. I just had a peace about it.”

Schmidt took the court by storm from her opening game and has been a consistent stalwart ever since. Her consistency, in fact, may be her biggest attribute.

“Kelly is just Kelly,” said Burns, who has gratefully absorbed some of the shots Schmidt no longer takes in the name of balance. “Every day she shows up, we know what we’re going to get out of her. She’s reliable and she dominates.”

Center Rachel Besse, another four-year standout, is another who admires Schmidt’s drive.

“She is probably the hardest working person I’ve ever seen, on and off the court,” Besse said of Schmidt. “She’s an amazing friend and she is very passionate about everything she does.”

Schmidt is amazed when people are surprised about her willingness to place team success ahead of individual numbers.

“Most of the people who come out to games and who know me, know I just do whatever is best for the team,” Schmidt said. “I think if you know basketball and you don’t let your ego get in the way, you do what is best for the team. And I think we’re definitely stronger as a team this season.

“I think some people are surprised [about her willingness to give up individual stats], but if I thought about myself, it just wouldn’t be fun to play,” said Schmidt, who notes her favorite thing about basketball is the bond she shares with teammates.

Schmidt is also a giver among her friends, whom she regularly invites over for coffee and conversation.

“I love to make coffee for people,” said Schmidt, who also enjoys painting and knitting.

“One of the reasons why Vanguard has been a perfect fit for me is that at a Division I school, it’s just basketball, basketball, basketball,” Schmidt said. “Here, I’ve been able to have a life outside of basketball, as well. Basketball is a lot of time and it is a big focus, but it isn’t the No. 1 thing here. There are other priorities ahead of basketball.”

Schmidt said she has decided not to pursue playing professionally and would like to teach elementary school upon graduating, perhaps even for a year or two in a foreign country. And, with the finality of her athletic career approaching, she has done some reflecting.

“It has been an amazing four years at Vanguard and it went by extremely fast,” Schmidt said. “I’ve learned so much and grown a lot and I’ve met a ton of amazing people here. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

The feeling is mutual for Davis, who regularly praises Schmidt for her character, as much as for her ability on the court.

Davis said Schmidt has played as well this year as she ever has, and that her diminished stats are a result of more shots by her teammates. He also said he has pared down Schmidt’s minutes this season, in an attempt to have her fresher for the NAIA Tournament.

“We don’t officially retire numbers here, but no one will ever wear No. 33 again, as long as I’m here,” Davis said. “I can’t imagine anybody being No. 33 except Kelly.”