Decked out in cleats, shinguards and Lancer attire, Sacred Hearts Academy sophomore Alexis Schmidt sprints up and down the field with a soccer ball at foot. Schmidt is the team’s goalie and not only excels on the field but also in the classroom.

This month, the soccer athlete was selected as Lancer of the Month, an award given to an athlete who presents exceptional athletic and scholastic skills.

“My reaction to receiving the Lancer of the Month award was happy, grateful and nerve-wrecking,” Schmidt said.

As goalie for the varsity soccer team, she helped guide her teammates to the state quarterfinal and the program’s best finish in school history. The varsity team defeated Waianae High School, 4-1, in the first of three games at this year’s state tournament.

Schmidt enjoys the competitive nature of the game and being able to play with and against other players. She also enjoys being coached by those who have continuously helped to improve her athletic abilities.

“She exemplifies a positive attitude, a love of competition and a desire to improve not only herself but also her teammates,” Coach Spencer Freitas said.

Freitas says that she always shows up to practice with a smile. She also has the ability to motivate the entire group, keeping practices playful but productive.

At six years old, Schmidt discovered her love for soccer. Her parents signed her up for local soccer league American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), which is where she was able to develop her soccer abilities and further her passion for the sport; a passion that carried over to the Lancer athletics program.

Schmidt begins every practice with warm-up drills and a quick jog. She practices everything from passing routines to goalkeeping. For Schmidt, dedication toward being her best doesn’t stop on the pitch. She spends her free time going for runs around her neighborhood and practicing foot skills with her coach and teammate.

Inside the classroom, Schmidt is able to keep up her grades and manage her schoolwork fairly easily. She says her day-to-day plan during soccer season is to finish as much homework as she can before practice. According to Schmidt, making use of a planner is key to keeping track of assignments, tests and upcoming projects.

Although she has not considered pursuing soccer as a prospective career, she does plan to continue playing soccer in college.

“My advice to student athletes is to keep up with school work and grades and to have fun and enjoy the sport that you are playing,” Schmidt said.