Three Manitowoc Lincoln seniors have announced where they are going to pursue an athletic career in college.
Natalie Portmann, Kendall Schmitz, and Abby Weidmayer have had outstanding athletic careers as Shipbuilders, and all three announced where they are going to college during a ceremony held yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon in the JFK Fieldhouse.
Schmitz will be playing her college basketball at Division Two Minnesota-Crookston University.
SeehaferNews.com asked her if she’s excited and/or relieved that putting pen to paper makes it official.
“Honestly, a little bit of both,” she admitted. “It’s finally done and on paper, but excited because this is something that I’ve been thinking about for a very long time ever since I started playing.”
Schmitz started all three years of her Ships career and was named to the all-state academic team last season (4.0 GPA) and second team all FRCC.
Weidmayer just completed her senior season on the volleyball court under head coach Mary Beth Dixon.
The 6′ tall outside hitter was one of three Ships (Mollie Junk and Cora Foster) named first-team all-conference and is the program’s all-time leader in kills, and she also recorded over 1,000 digs in her four years.
Abby will be taking her skills to Juanita College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
“There were a few other schools I was considering, but I chose Juanita because it has a good nursing program and I want to eventually work in the nursing field,” she explained. “Their volleyball program is top-tier, and the people and coaches made me feel like I was one of them immediately. I pretty much knew where I was going to college after my initial visit last fall.”
Natalie Portmann is a four-time state qualifier in cross country.
She placed 19th in the Division One field last month and leaves as the school record holder in the 5K race.
She’ll be running for Division Two Winona State University in Minnesota next fall.
Portmann, much like her Ships classmates, pretty much knew where she wanted to attend college on her initial visit last fall.
Portmann said it was great to have the three of them together on the special day.
“It meant a lot. It was exciting to do this with two people who you really care about and are close to,” she said. “I’m glad we were all able to share in this special day together.”
Besides being exceptional student-athletes, these three young ladies are well respected for going about their business the right way and understanding that you never attain your goals alone.
Weidmayer admits it’s tough to say goodbye but looks forward to the next chapter in her life.
“Honestly, if I didn’t have the support from family, friends, coaches, and teammates, this day likely doesn’t happen,” she said. “Them being there for me through thick and thin means the world to me. I can’t thank them enough, especially my parents, who are my number one supporters.”
