Sawyer Schmidt '28 Takes His Game to the International Stage

Walking the halls of Nichols School, Sawyer Schmidt ’28 looks like any other 10th-grader balancing homework, friends, and classes. But this past summer, Schmidt carried a responsibility few teenagers ever experience: the weight and honor of donning the USA Hockey jersey.

After a grueling selection camp—a week Schmidt described as "nerve-wracking" and filled with intense pressure—he was selected to represent the United States at the U17 Four Nations tournament. It was a moment of validation for the skillful forward, who admitted he was initially confused by the invitation but quickly realized the magnitude of the opportunity.

"They had a little slideshow that showed everyone who made it... I was the first one on there," Schmidt recalled of the roster reveal. "The relief that felt through my body was just amazing."

Schmidt, who was the youngest player on the U.S. roster, made an impact right away, tallying an assist in his first game, a 7-5 win over Slovakia. However, for the Clarence, N.Y., native, the statistics took a backseat to the overwhelming pride of wearing the USA crest on his chest.

"It was amazing. It was like a dream," Schmidt said. "The experience of just wearing [the jersey] and going out there is next level. It's representing more than yourself. You have the responsibility to fill now. You've got to do it for your teammates and for your family."

While Schmidt’s hockey career takes him all over the country—including recent trips as an injury replacement for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) U17 Team—his academic home remains at Nichols. It is a unique relationship; while he does not play for the Nichols boys' prep hockey team, the school plays a pivotal role in his development by providing the flexibility and support system necessary to compete at an elite level.

Sawyer credits the school with teaching him the life skills required to juggle international competition with high school expectations. The rigorous schedule forces him to be proactive, a skill he says translates directly from the classroom to the ice.

"Being at the school has definitely helped me develop more responsibility," Schmidt explained. "If I miss school or leave early to attend hockey, I have to email my teachers and make up the work. It shows that if you care about something and if you put the work in, people will help you and people want you to succeed."

He points to his advisor, Ms. Achatz, and faculty members like Mr. Powers as instrumental figures who help him stay grounded and organized. "She is always on top of all my stuff," Schmidt said of his advisor. "It’s really helpful."

For Schmidt, the lesson learned at Nichols is simple: communication and respect open doors. "If you need something, you go ask your teacher... that really helps me in a sense of hockey," he said. "If I don't understand something, I'll go ask my coach. It just helped me develop a sense of responsibility on the ice towards my teammates."

As Schmidt continues to eye the next level of competition, he does so with a community behind him that understands that education happens both in the classroom and on the international ice.