July 12, 2012

BERKELEY - As the California volleyball 2012 season approaches, CalBears.com will be looking back at some of the former talented Golden Bears who have helped build the perennial powerhouse and the jerseys they wore. With 44 days remaining until the start of this year's campaign, CalBears.com caught up with Meaghan Schmitt, who sported No. 44 from 2007-10, and is the only student-athlete thus far to have worn that number.

Student-Athlete Spotlight - Meagan Schmitt (DS, 2007-10)
After playing in seven matches as a freshman, Schmitt became an integral part of the Cal rotation in her three remaining years. As a junior in 2009, the Kentfield, Calif., native appeared in all 32 matches and ranked fifth on the team in digs (1.39 dps). Her senior year culminated in a national title run with the Bears falling to Penn State in the championship final. In 2010, Schmitt was third on the team with 18 service aces and tallied a career high of 250 digs (2.14 dps). Not only talented and hard-working on the court, Schmitt was a two-time Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention.

CalBears.com: What made you choose your number?

Meagan Schmitt: I chose my number because when I was a freshman in high school, a senior had the number 4. That is the number I really wanted, but since I was a freshman I had to get creative. I decided that 44 was a great alternative, and I grew to love it!

CalBears.com: What does it mean to be one of the Bears to have worn your number?

MS: I loved being No. 44 at Cal. It is not a very common number, so I got to really own it. I am not sure how I would feel to see another player wearing my number at Cal!

CalBears.com: What was your favorite Golden Bear memory?

MS: My favorite Golden Bear memory was absolutely ending my career at the National Championship match in Kansas City. I will remember that match with my teammates for the rest of my life. Shoot, actually that entire season was amazing. I love those girls so much.

MS: I am so proud to have been a Bear. Since both of my parents competed at Cal, it had always been a dream of mine to play there as well. On top of that, Cal volleyball is one of the most established programs in the country. I loved being able to play with the top players in the nation day in and day out. I cannot articulate how happy I am to be able to call myself a Cal Bear!

CalBears.com: What are you up to these days - where do you live, what do you do, etc.?

MS: I currently live in Los Angeles where I am the assistant volleyball coach at Loyola Marymount University. I am so happy that I get to stay within the volleyball community!

All-Time Jersey No. 44 Wearers:
Meagan Schmitt (2007-10)

By the Numbers
44

Are you a former California volleyball student-athlete and interested in participating in our countdown? Please email calsid_volleyball at Berkeley.edu.