You know Kelly Schmedes as the professional soccer star who started in Odessa, Texas. She’s been passionate about soccer since she was young.
At Permian High School, her talent caught the eyes of college scouts. She excelled with the Texas Longhorns, eventually taking her skills to the U.S. women’s national team and the professional leagues.
Schmedes’ story continues beyond her notable achievements, inspiring what’s to come in women’s soccer.
Early Life and High School Achievements
Growing up in Odessa, Texas, Kelly Schmedes uncovered her passion for soccer early on.
Attending Permian High School, she thrived in the school’s renowned athletic programs, known for producing top talent in soccer. As a member of the high school soccer team, Kelly’s skill and dedication quickly made her a standout player.
Her impressive performances caught the attention of college scouts, leading to her recruitment by the University of Texas at Austin. There, she continued to shine with the Texas Longhorns, earning accolades like the All-Big 12 Leading Team.
Her expedition from Odessa to becoming a key player for the Longhorns highlights her remarkable talent and determination, setting the stage for her future success in soccer.
College Success With the Texas Longhorns
Kelly Schmedes’ college career with the Texas Longhorns was nothing short of legendary.
As an all-time leader, she amassed 129 points, 41 assists, and 13 game-winning goals, leaving an indelible mark on the program. Her exceptional skills earned her four All-Big 12 Premier Team selections and twice she was honored as an NSCAA All-American.
Schmedes’ 2004 season was extraordinary, setting single-season records for points, goals, and assists. Her leadership was essential in guiding the Longhorns to their initial league championship and an impressive NCAA Tournament Third Round appearance.
- Inducted into the University of Texas Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor
- Instrumental in the Texas Longhorns’ initial league championship
- Consistent All-Big 12 Premier Team selection
Her legacy at Texas continues to inspire future athletes.
Transition to Professional Soccer
As Kelly Schmedes moved to professional soccer, she quickly made her mark with impressive performances.
Starting with the Charlotte Lady Eagles in 2005, she netted 11 goals in just 8 games, showcasing her talent. Her shift to international play came in 2006 when she joined KIF Örebro DFF in Sweden, gaining valuable experience in a European league.
Returning to the Charlotte Lady Eagles in 2007, Schmedes contributed 7 goals and 6 assists in 12 games. Her expedition continued in 2009 when she was drafted by the Boston Breakers in the WPS Draft.
Competing in the inaugural season of Women’s Professional Soccer, she played 17 matches, scoring once. Despite the fierce competition, Schmedes remained a significant figure in professional soccer.
Impact at Charlotte Lady Eagles
After making a name for herself in professional soccer, Schmedes’ impact at the Charlotte Lady Eagles was profound.
Beginning her professional career in 2005, Kelly Schmedes quickly showcased her offensive prowess, scoring 11 goals and providing 1 assist in just 8 games.
Her return in 2007 and 2008 solidified her status, as she racked up impressive stats:
- 2007: 7 goals, 6 assists in 12 matches
- 2008: 14 goals, 6 assists in 13 games
- Overall: Ranked 3rd in goals and 4th in assists during her tenure
Schmedes’ performance at Charlotte not only raised her profile but also enhanced women’s soccer in the region. Her contributions led to her selection in the 2009 WPS Draft, further cementing her impressive professional career from Odessa.
Experience in Sweden With KIF Örebro DFF
When Kelly Schmedes moved to Sweden in 2006 to join KIF Örebro DFF, it marked the start of an exciting chapter in her international club career. As a professional player, she accepted the challenge of competing in a new league and culture, which greatly contributed to her development and skills in women’s soccer.
Her experience in Sweden was crucial, as it improved her visibility on the international stage. Coming from the Charlotte Lady Eagles, where she’d already made a name for herself as a top scorer, Kelly’s shift to KIF Örebro DFF showcased her adaptability and ambition.
Although her stint in Sweden was brief, lasting just one season, it certainly enriched her experience in professional soccer before she returned to Charlotte.
Role With Boston Breakers in the WPS
Kelly Schmedes’s time in Sweden with KIF Örebro DFF laid a strong foundation for her next adventure in professional soccer.
In 2009, she was drafted by the Boston Breakers for the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) inaugural season. Playing a fundamental role, she appeared in 17 matches, starting 10, and contributed greatly to the team’s competitive performance. Her stats included:
- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- Increased visibility for women’s soccer
Despite being selected by the Philadelphia Independence in the expansion draft, Schmedes’s loyalty remained with the Breakers throughout that year. Her participation was essential in promoting the growth of women’s professional soccer in the United States.
You can see how her earlier experiences and skills shone through, making her an asset to the team.
Record-Breaking International Career
A remarkable achievement in her career, Kelly Schmedes became the all-time leading scorer for the United States U-20 women’s national team with an impressive 31 goals.
During the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship, she netted nine goals in five matches, earning the Silver Shoe as the tournament’s second-highest scorer. Her outstanding play also secured her the Bronze Ball, highlighting her as one of the top players.
In professional soccer, she made appearances in the Algarve Cups in 2002 and 2005, showcasing her skills on the international stage.
While she scored her only international goal for the senior national team against England in 2002, her record-breaking career began with the Texas Longhorns women’s soccer team, setting the foundation for her national team success.
Honors and Awards in Collegiate Soccer
Building on her international success, Schmedes continued to shine during her collegiate career at the University of Texas at Austin, amassing numerous accolades that highlighted her talent on the field.
You’d be amazed at how she became a four-time All-Big 12 Premier Team selection and twice earned NSCAA All-American honors. Her outstanding performance made her a three-time nominee for the prestigious Hermann Trophy.
Kelly Schmedes set impressive records at UT:
- All-time leader in career points (129), assists (41), and game-winning goals (13).
- Set single-season records in 2004 for points, goals, and assists.
- Most games started (84) in her collegiate career.
Schmedes’s achievements not only demonstrated her skill but also cemented her legacy in collegiate soccer history.
Personal Life and Family
While her soccer career is remarkable, Kelly Schmedes also finds profound fulfillment in her personal life.
As a devoted mother of two children, she beautifully balances her commitment to her family and her athletic career. Her husband, Greg Schmedes, a former track athlete, shares her passion for sports, which strengthens their family bond.
Kelly’s resilience is evident in her ability to overcome injuries and continue playing, reflecting her determination in both her personal and professional life. She often reminisces about her collegiate experiences, cherishing the team bonding and shared moments that shaped her expedition.
Through her dedication to her family and sport, Kelly Schmedes’s legacy inspires future generations, highlighting the importance of balancing personal commitments with professional pursuits.
Legacy and Influence in Women’s Soccer
Kelly Schmedes’s influence in women’s soccer extends beyond her personal triumphs, illustrating a remarkable legacy that inspires future athletes.
As the all-time leader in points, assists, and game-winning goals for the Texas Longhorns, her impact on collegiate athletics is undeniable. Her accolades, including being a two-time NSCAA All-American, solidify her place in soccer history.
- Pioneering Achievement: Schmedes was the initial soccer player inducted into The University of Texas Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor.
- International Impact: With 31 goals, she stands as the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. U-20 national team.
- Professional Growth: Playing for the Boston Breakers in Women’s Professional Soccer’s inaugural season, she contributed to the sport’s visibility.
Her legacy continues to enhance women’s soccer.
