ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – One word that seems to be synonymous with the College of Saint Benedict is community. An important piece of a functioning community is teamwork.
Maddie Schmitz embodies both words.
When she's not in season with the Bennie basketball team, Schmitz announces CSB volleyball and softball games. When she's not working a game, she's in the stands, cheering on her fellow Saint Benedict athletes.
For her commitment not only to the CSB athletic department, but also to supporting each and every one of her Bennie teammates and all Bennie athletes, Schmitz is the department's 2019-20 Margy Hughes Inspirational Award winner.
The Margy Hughes Inspirational Award was created many years ago to honor our long-standing friend and colleague, Margy Hughes. Margy was a professor at the College of Saint Benedict for over 35 years and has played an instrumental role as a leader in the Physical Education department and in the development of CSB athletics. Upon her retirement, the department chose to remember and recognize her ongoing dedication to the college and athletic department in the naming of this award.
The Inspirational Award is given each year to an individual or group of individuals who make a positive impact on CSB's athletic department either behind the scenes or on the court, ice, track or field. The award is given out by CSB's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) group.
Schmitz, who wrapped up her junior season with the CSB basketball team in February, has played a key role on the team in each of her three seasons. She's not focused solely on basketball, though. Two years ago, Schmitz took over as the announcer for the Bennie volleyball team, and she also announces the CSB softball team's home games. Her energy and love for all Bennie sports get both Claire Lynch and the new CSB softball field ramped up on game day, and help give the student-athletes a true home-field and home-court advantage.
During the basketball season, Schmitz is a vocal leader on and off the court for the Saint Benedict basketball team. She also leads by example: before and after the season – and even early morning on game days – Schmitz can be found in Claire Lynch shooting free throws or perfecting her three-point shot.
CSB's SAAC representatives – made up of Schmitz's peers and fellow student-athletes – all agreed she was the right choice for the 2019-20 Inspirational Award.
"She is always there for the other sports, getting involved and either announcing or just cheering on a fellow Bennie! I think she inspires anyone she talks to and, I know that everyone loves her and her presence."
"She is always at sporting events, makes the volleyball games so much more exciting with her announcing and is very dedicated to the basketball team! I think she would be the perfect person for the award."
"I 100 percent think this award should go to Maddie! I have known her since she was a first year, and for a long time I just knew her as my best friend's teammate. But I have gotten to know her well over the years and I think she perfectly exemplifies this award. She is an incredibly hard worker (both in her sport and in academics), a motivational leader, and the biggest Bennie sports fan I know. This award was made for Maddie."
Erin Ross, CSB's head athletic trainer, and softball coach
Rachael Click lead CSB's SAAC. The 2019-20 SAAC representatives include:
Lauren Herker – Co-President/MIAC SAAC Representative – Golf
Sidney Schiffler – Co-President/MIAC SAAC Representative – Basketball
Sarah Carney – Cross Country Representative
Skyler Clough – Swim & Dive Representative
Zoe Culshaw-Klein – Hockey Representative
Maddie Curtis – Soccer Representative
Kathryn Ellingson – Swim & Dive Representative
Nicole Frederickson – Golf Representative
Abby Kaluza – Tennis Representative
Clara Noack – Soccer Representative
Stephanie Pickthorn – Track & Field Representative
Riley Schneider – Hockey Representative
Maddie Schmitz – Basketball Representative
Lauren York – Softball Representative
Colleen Zadoo – Volleyball Representative
