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"Even though she came in decorated, it's getting to
that next level," said Long. "She is adapting well in
her second season. She has changed a lot of things,
not only in training, but in how she competes.
She's gaining a lot of confidence and has a bright
future."
Schemmel's goals as a sophomore are modest. She
is focusing on training hard, trusting her coaches,
and performing when the lights come on in
February.
"I would like to final at the Big Ten
Championships in an event or two and get some
personal-best times," said Schemmel. "It would
also be cool to set a record on a relay."
Long has seen Schemmel begin that next step.
She's starting to believe.
It happened during the second competition of the
2018-19 season when Schemmel was in the same
pool as Olympians and NCAA champions at the
SMU Classic in Dallas. It has continued through
the first half of the 2018-19 season with Schemmel
posting career-bests in both the 50 free (23.06) and
100 free (50.15).
"It's an exposure thing to realize you're in the
same pool and you can compete with them (the
Olympians and NCAA champion)," said Long.
"She can. e next step is getting more belief that
you can compete at this level."
If that belief follows as quickly as Schemmel's
adjustment to collegiate morning workouts, it will
be another walk in the park.
