Veteran midfielder grateful to author her exit from international soccer after a career that included appearances in five World Cups and three Olympic medals, Meaghen Johnson writes.
As Canadian legend Christine Sinclair , another long-serving veteran is at peace with her decision after leaving the national team almost three months ago.
Schmidt reached the decision earlier this year. As a player rep for the Canadian Soccer Players Association, which represents the women’s team, Schmidt As things came to a head before the SheBelieves Cup in February, Schmidt’s frustration hit a boiling point. She was ready to quit the national team immediately, a decision she now describes as “a bit hasty.”
“I'm glad that I was able to step away on my own terms,” she said. “Sometimes that happens through injury, or you're no longer selected. I'm very thankful that I was able to step away on my own terms and it be my decision. That was an important factor for me.” The English coach took over the reins less than a year before the Tokyo Games, which were postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. Her initial roster of 18 players did not include the veteran Schmidt, who was instead listed as one of the four alternates.
This past season, Schmidt started in 20 of Houston’s 22 games, and she ranked near the top of the league in duels won and possessions won . Schmidt’s resume may not have a career-defining moment, like Diana Matheson’s goal in 2012 that secured the Olympic bronze, but she has been an integral part of Canada since she made her debut with the senior team as a 16-year-old in 2005.
But like a true midfielder, Schmidt sees herself as a provider and someone who can bring the best out of her teammates – on and off the pitch. “At times, I think we've left the game in a better place. At times, we have our questions,” she said. “Change has definitely happened. We fought for a lot. And I think we're very proud of the battles that we have fought with CSA and others in general. I definitely think that there's more work to be done.”
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