By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post
HAYS - Through three years of high school softball, Hays High's Dezarae Schmidt has been on the varsity field each season. Now before stepping on the field as a senior, she already knows where her college field will be located.
Schmidt signed a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday with Dodge City Community College. The Indian's middle infielder hit .438 during her junior campaign. She started the year hitting just 4-13. Following that stretch her bat came to life hitting .510 rest of the season.
Schmidt also knocked in 17 runs, scored 30, had four doubles and triples and two homeruns. She stole 13 bases and has 23 steals in her career.
Hays was 15-6 in 2022 and won the Western Athletic Conference with an 11-1 mark. That league title is among the favorites memories for Schmidt thus far.
Coach Abby Gillan calls Schmidt a leader and hard worker. The biggest area of growth Gillan has seen is Schmidt ability to move on after a bad at bat. Schmidt did not strike out in a single plate appearance her sophomore season.
Hays High volleyball coach Shannon Funk echoed Coach Gillan's comments calling Schmidt a hard worker, dedicated, and willing to be very coachable.
She chose DCCC out of several different offers. However though the distance to home, facilities and experience of the coaching staff won over the Hays High senior. Schmidt classifies herself as a utility player who has played all positions but first base. Talks with her future program have her on the infield and possibly as a backup catcher.
Dodge City Community College though will have to wait. There is still a spring 2023 season to be played. On the goal list for Schmidt and the Indians is another Western Athletic Conference title and an appearance at the 5A State Tournament.