Bellevue Wolverines senior Natasha Schmid saw her life change forever in February of 2015.

Schmid, who was a freshman during the 2014-15 school year, decided to turn out for the Wolverines girls water polo team despite never playing the sport previously.

“My older sister (Sophia) decided to try it out and she was a grade ahead of me. She got me to try it out and I have been playing the sport since then. I have made some of my best friends (in water polo),” Schmid said.

Schmid, who is one of the Wolverines’ team captains and leading scorers thus far during the 2018 season, isn’t focused on her individual stats.

“I may be the one scoring but there are so many other parts that go into it for this team. We all work together and I’m able to help guide others,” Schmid said.

Bellevue head coach Evan Kaseguma said Schmid is a much different player today than she was during her freshman season in 2015.

“When she first started out, she was focused on being a facilitator and a defender. As our team’s needs have evolved over the years, her role has changed and she has transformed herself into a go-to scorer,” Kaseguma said. “The growth she has made from those first years to now being one of the best players in the state is pretty amazing. She has worked really hard to get here. It is not a surprise that it has happened but its been pretty fun to watch as a coach.”

The Wolverine girls water polo team, which is in its sixth season as a program, is determined to reach its first state championship contest ever this May. In 2017, the Wolverines earned third place at the state tournament.

“Our team wants to make it to the state championship game. That would be amazing. We’ve just made so much progress. I think that it is definitely within reach. We just have to play our best and put our hearts into it,” Schmid said.

Schmid, who has plans on studying engineering as a freshman at the University of Washington during the 2018-19 school year, said being a member of the Bellevue squad is something she will always cherish.

“I will remember just the friendships I have made. One of my best friends is in the grade below me and I probably would never had met her or become friends with her without this sport,” she said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Schmid a few questions about her life away from the pool.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Natasha Schmid: I like the movie “Nerve” a lot. It was super exciting and I liked the actors in it.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

NS: I hate it when big groups of people block the hallway when you’re trying to walk to class and they are taking up space.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

NS: Anywhere near the beach. I love going to the beach all day.

BR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your car right now?

NS: The top hits and usually pop but lately I have been listening to a lot more country. My friends convinced me. I didn’t expect that to happen.

BR: What is your favorite hobby away from the pool?

NS: I just like hanging out with my friends and traveling. I like going to the lake.