Thunder's Isabel Schmidt commits to UJ women's hoops

Maxwell O'Neill, The Jamestown Sun, N.D.
·3 min read

Feb. 4—MEDINA, N.D. — After the University of Jamestown women's basketball team beat Mount Marty University on Jan. 25, Medina/Pingree-Buchanan's Isabel Schmidt announced her commitment to the Jimmies as part of the class of 2023.

"I really like their team atmosphere," Schmidt said. "Every time I come watch a game they're super full of energy and it looks just like a team I would want to be on."

The senior point guard has helped lead the Thunder to an 8-9 record as of Feb. 2. Schmidt is the first player from the Thunder to play for the Jimmies since Gracie Bohl in the 2020-21 season. Despite the fact that she will be the first Thunder to play for the Jimmies in three years, she will not be alone as far as local players go. Schmidt will join a roster that is expected to include five other players from North Dakota.

Schmidt made the announcement alongside her family and friends when inside Harold Newman Arena. Jimmies head coach Thad Sankey said the decision to recruit Schmidt was as much about the person as it was the player.

"Our team is all about putting the right group of women together and having the right group of people on our team," Sankey said. "It doesn't just take our interest in having her play with us but player's interest in playing here at the University of Jamestown. Our girls are here for more than just to play basketball. I felt like it was the right fit all the way around, to have her play on our team."

Sankey said Schmidt is one of seven recruits who have committed to UJ as of Feb. 2. Sankey said one of the focuses that he and his staff have for players after they commit is helping them get used to their teammates and the way the team plays.

"So, she'll get a chance to connect with our team and our players a little bit more over the summer," Sankey said. "A lot of what we do is helping our young players transition positionally, our guards have specific skill sets to draw from. So, well help her get up to speed once her high school season is over."

Schmidt said she is hoping to play a similar role to the one that sophomore Madelyn Schmidt has been playing and Jimmies assistant coach Faith Brintle played when she was in college.

"I saw when coach Faith came in she was my type of player," Schmidt said. "I could be her when she played and Maddie Schmidt, I used to play against her at Kidder County. We're a pretty similar type of players, I know they like quick guards and that's what I could be for them."

Schmidt said it takes a lot of stress off her to have made a decision and know where she is playing next year. Schmidt said she decided to sign with the Jimmies over Valley City State University. Schmidt said she is excited to play as close to home as she is and has the ability to go home and see her family when she wants to.

This season, the Jimmies have an 18-5 record and are currently on a six-game winning streak, which Schmidt said was one of the contributing factors to her choosing the Jimmies.

"I really like how they all work together as a team and how they are winning," Schmidt said. "It's definitely helpful."