Playing soccer at Avila University has become somewhat of a tradition for Hannah Overschmidt and her family.
Overschmidt is well aware of Avila and its women’s soccer program. Her older sister, Katie Newman, also played soccer at Avila after graduating from Washington High School.
Overschmidt, a 2012 graduate of Washington, will follow in her sister’s footsteps after signing a letter of intent with Avila.
“I watched a lot of Katie’s games while she played at Avila and I really liked being there,” Overschmidt said. “Their soccer program has really improved. They have a new turf field, a big scoreboard and a new rec center.”
Avila is an NAIA school located in Kansas City that competes in Heart of America Athletic Conference.
The Lady Eagles soccer team is coached by Chris Clements.
Overschmidt was a unsung hero for the Washington girls soccer program during her career. She was a four-year varsity player and a three-year varsity starter.
As a defender, Overschmidt didn’t score many goals.
“I think I might have one goal in my career,” Overschmidt said with a smile.
But her contributions to the team are off the charts. She was named the district co-defender of the year during her senior season. She also was a GAC North first-team selection.
“Having Hannah on the team allowed me to play the system that we do,” said Washington Head Soccer Coach Chris Lanemann. “We play a three-back zone and Hannah was our center back. She was exceptional at it. I would not be able to play this system without her.”
Lanemann has high praise for Overschmidt, who was one of the Lady Jays’ top players.
“Hannah is the most intelligent player I have ever coached,” Lanemann said. “Very rarely, if ever, does she make a mistake. She is also one of the hardest working players that I have ever coached. Hannah never gets outworked in a game.”
Overschmidt showed her team-first mentality when asked what position she wants to play at Avila.
“Wherever coach wants me,” Overschmidt said. “I really like to play defense. I’ll probably end up playing defense, which would be great.”
Overschmidt brings many soccer skills and talents to Avila.
“I think I handle myself pretty well playing against bigger girls,” Overschmidt said. “I’m a good leader and a smart player. I keep things organized on the defensive end of the field.”
Lanemann had similar thoughts on Overschmidt’s strengths as a player.
“Hannah is a great leader, both on and off the field,” Lanemann said. “That’s a major reason she is so good at the center back spot. She has to keep the entire team organized from back there.”
Overschmidt said playing college soccer has been a goal of hers for a long time.
“I’m nervous, but excited,” Overschmidt said. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m glad I have the opportunity to play soccer in college.”
Overschmidt has left her mark on the Washington soccer program.
“As good of a soccer player as Hannah is, she is an even better person. The Washington High School girls soccer program and I will miss Hannah tremendously,” Lanemann said. “Thanks in part to Hannah, the program is better today than it was before she began her high school soccer career.”
Hannah plans to major in nurse anesthetist. She is the daughter of Dan and Mary Overschmidt.
