Becky Schmidt's impact on the national semifinalist Hope College volleyball team is not lost on her players amid the excitement of a season to remember.
After Schmidt's milestone night Friday, setter Lauren Hazekamp and middle blocker Courtney Van Houzen reflected on how their coach has spurred them into contention for a national championship.
Schmidt claimed her 300th win at Hope during Friday's 25-16, 25-21, 25-20 sweep of Clarkson, N.Y., in the NCAA Division III quarterfinals at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia.
Photo of Lauren Hazekamp, left, and Becky Schmidt, by Lynne Powe/Hope College
Hazekamp, the junior from Fruitport, Michigan (Fruitport HS), said Schmidt has prepared the 32-2 Flying Dutch for all aspects of the game.
"We're ready for this, and we have her to thank for that," Hazekamp said. "She has not let us settle this season. That's huge."
Schmidt has a 300-73 record over 11 seasons at Hope. Her overall record, including three seasons at Redlands (California) is 338-106.
The second-ranked Flying Dutch are playing in their second national semifinal tonight at 7:30 p.m. They face fellow MIAA co-champion and top-ranked Calvin.
It is Hope's second national semifinal and first since 2009.
Van Houzen, a sophomore from Traverse City, Michigan (Traverse City West HS), said Schmidt has no problem keeping up with the players she coaches.
"The energy she brings, we always joke 20 girls energy equally matches our one coach's energy,' Schmidt said. "It's awesome. Before the match (tonight) she approached me. She'll approach with one-on-one. She'll write you a note. But you always feel special. She pushes you to reach that potential.
"It's hard. It breaks you a little bit, but it makes you better."
Click here for a recap of Thursday's quarterfinal win against Clarkson.
Click here for a photo gallery from the Hope-Clarkson match by Hope College photographer Lynne Powe.
Click here to watch Hope's press conference and video highlights of the Flying Dutch's match vs. Clarkson.
