Celina Schmidt isn't counting down the days to the end of her collegiate swim career — she's savoring every single one.
 
After a year defined by recovery and resilience, the University of Indianapolis swimmer is back in the pool and competing at the level she once questioned she'd ever reach again. With the Greyhounds coming off a conference title and Nationals on the horizon, Schmidt is determined to finish her final season with purpose, gratitude, and a powerful sense of perspective.
 
Her journey hasn't been easy, but it's shaped her into the athlete — and person — she is today.
 
FIGHTING BACK AFTER INJURY
When Schmidt suffered an injury last year, it forced her out of the water for nearly four months. The uncertainty that followed was just as heavy as the physical setback.
 
"At first, the injury made me feel uncertain about swimming," Schmidt said. "After a four-month break, I didn't know if I would be able to compete at the same level again as I did before."
 
The time away gave her a new appreciation for the sport she loves. Each practice became a reminder of how far she'd come — and how much she still wanted to achieve.
 
"This injury made me appreciate being healthy even more and be able to compete," she said. "This season, I focused a lot on staying patient and trusting the process, while working my way back step by step."
 
That patience paid off. Schmidt didn't just return — she returned stronger, both physically and mentally.
 
"Going through this experience also made me mentally stronger and even more motivated to give my best in every practice and competition," Schmidt said. "Heading into nationals, I am just really grateful for this opportunity and hoping that all the work I've done in this season will pay off."
 
A CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENT
One of the defining moments of Schmidt's season came at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships, where the Greyhounds captured the team title — again.
 
"Winning the GLVC Championship was really special to me," Schmidt said. "In my first year, we won the GLVC championship for the first time in program history. Being a part of doing it again this year — which is my last year — makes it even more memorable. It was an amazing experience for the entire team."
 
For Schmidt and her teammates, that victory wasn't just a trophy, it was proof of what they were capable of when they leaned on each other.
 
"It gave us a lot of motivation and confidence because it showed that our hard work is paying off," she said. "I think it also confirmed that we are capable of competing at a high level when we work together and trust the process. Going into Nationals, that experience helps us believe in ourselves and reminds us what we can achieve as a team."
 
BALANCING THE POOL AND THE PROFESSION
On top of training and competing, Schmidt has also taken on an internship — adding another layer to an already busy schedule.
 
"The internship definitely adds another responsibility to my schedule, so it requires better time management," she said. "Balancing training, school, and the internship can be challenging, but it has helped me become more organized and disciplined with my time."
 
For Schmidt, the experience outside the pool is just as important as the one inside it. She's preparing for life after college while still making the most of every moment as a student-athlete.
 
"At the same time, it's a great opportunity because it helps prepare me for life after sports and college, which was really important to me," she said. "Being able to gain professional experience while still being a student-athlete is something I really value."
 
LOOKING AHEAD
As Nationals approach, Schmidt isn't focused on medals or times. She's focused on gratitude — for her health, her team, and the chance to finish her career on her own terms.
 
She's proof that setbacks don't define an athlete — the response does. And for Schmidt, that response has been nothing short of inspiring.
 
The 2026 NCAA DII Swimming & Diving Championships are scheduled for March 10-14 in Evansville, Ind. Stay tuned to UIndyAthletics.com for a complete preview in the coming days.