Former Wolf Pack swimmer Michaela Schmidt has passed away, head coach Mike Richmond learned on Friday.
Nevada will dedicate its meet against Idaho this weekend to Michaela, and several former members of the team will swim an exhibition race of the 50-yard butterfly, Michaela’s favorite event, in her honor on Saturday.
The Wolf Pack will also give out an award at its annual banquet in memory of Michaela and her commitment to the sport and the University of Nevada.
“I have never encountered anyone with more dedication or commitment,” Richmond said. “You literally had to stop Michaela from training. Her passion for her teammates was incredible, and she loved being a part of the University of Nevada. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her. We will give out a team award each year to recognize people who share those special qualities that Michaela had.”
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Schmidt helped the Wolf Pack to Western Athletic Conference championships in 2007 and 2008. She was named the Pack’s Newcomer of the Year in 2006 and won the 50-yard freestyle at the 2007 WAC Championship. She also swam on Nevada’s WAC champion 200-yard and 400-yard medley relay teams in 2007 and helped the Wolf Pack claim another conference title in the 200-yard medley in 2008. She still appears in Nevada’s top times list in numerous events. Michaela was also a member of the 2001 Canadian National Swim Team and competed at the U.S. Nationals in 2006.
