Reaching milestones: Schau strives to be the best

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

You get to the rink like any other day. The warmth outside turns in to cold as soon as you open the door. It’s a feeling of calm, the cold air hitting your face. You feel at home.

You get into the locker room and start to get ready. Today is special, you just don’t know it. You lace up your skates and get ready to take the ice. You hear that cutting sound as your blades hit the fresh ice.

It’s game day. To you it’s just another game. Another game in a long line of games you have played for the Mercyhurst club hockey team. Ever since you have stepped on the ice for the Lakers you have been a dominating force.

But, there is something about today that is just different. As you get ready for the puck drop, you don’t know much about West Chester. So, to you, they are the best team in the country. That means you are going to need to bring your “A” game.

As the game finishes, you score four more goals. It’s pretty much a typical game for you. Ever since you started playing for the Lakers you've averaged almost three points a game. As you get off the ice, the team manager stops you and tells you you just scored your 50th career college goal.

Fifty goals is a huge milestone. That’s a lot of games where you are dominating as soon as the puck drops until the final horn.

“I honestly didn’t realize I was close to hitting 50 goals. I scored four that game, and I wasn’t thinking about the milestone—I was just focused on the next play, hungry for more. After the game, our manager told me I had reached 50 goals, and that’s when the excitement hit me,” stated Schau. “It was a proud moment, knowing I’d achieved something rare. I carried that energy into our second game of the series and scored six more goals, ending the weekend with 55 career goals.”

Scoring 50 was just the tip of the iceberg for Schau. She has been on a scoring tear through the first seven games of the year, and just recently recorded her 100th career point. What makes the two milestones even more amazing is that her freshman year she only had five points.

That means she scored 95 points, and counting, over her final three years of college hockey.

“Reaching my 100th career point was equally unforgettable. I was sitting at 99 points heading into our weekend game at West Virginia, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement at the chance to make history. I reminded myself to keep it simple, to play my game, and not overthink it. Late in the first period, I scored, and hearing the cheers from my teammates, family, and friends made the moment even more special. Having them there—especially my mom and brother—meant everything to me. They’ve sacrificed so much to support me, and reaching 100 points felt like a way to give back,” stated Schau. “It’s thrilling to celebrate these moments, but there’s still so much more to accomplish. I’m excited to keep pushing and working toward the next milestone.”

It has been a hockey journey that didn’t even start at Mercyhurst. Schau always wanted to play major college hockey. Her dream first took her to Division III Norwich University. Norwich was a top DIII program, coming off a National Championship.

The goal for Schau was to be able to fit in and help the team win a more titles. But, her experience there wasn’t what she had hoped for. As she was looking for another school, the love of the game had disappeared.

Schau had options to play at other DIII schools. But, the passion that was once there was gone. She decided to stay close to home and attend Mercyhurst. There she was encouraged to try out for the club team.

While it wasn’t the high end competition of DIII, it was still good competition. Playing for the club team brought back the joy of just going out there and having fun. There is always pressure to win, but this was different.

“The last four years have been a whirlwind, and I never imagined that club hockey would become part of my path, let alone something I’d play. My freshman year, I attended Norwich University to play NCAA Division III hockey. With Norwich being a National Championship team, I hoped to be a part of that success and maybe even win a National Championship. But my experience there wasn’t what I’d hoped. For my mental health, I decided it was best to enter the transfer portal after the fall semester,” explained Schau. “I could’ve joined another D3 team, but I no longer found joy in the game. Staying close to home seemed like the right decision, and with Mercyhurst in my hometown, it felt like the best fit. Some friends on the club team encouraged me to try it out, no pressure attached. I was hesitant—I’d always said I wouldn’t play club hockey because I’d worked too hard and sacrificed too much. But eventually, I stepped onto the ice that spring semester, and I started having fun playing again.”

You could see the joy in her eyes as she would lace the skates up everyday and get out on the ice. She was having fun with her new teammates. Schau has come to every practice, and game, and has just competed to the best of her abilities.

Last season, Mercyhurst won the CHE Championship, and was able to compete and Nationals. That set the bar for this season, with the expectations to get back to Nationals and take home the title.

“Since then, I’ve been with the team, growing and excelling each season. While I missed the intensity of higher-level play, I’ve made the most of every practice and game, always pushing to be my best,” stated Schau. “Winning a CHE Championship and going to Nationals last year were huge accomplishments that set high expectations for this season. My journey has been incredible, and even though I never thought I’d be where I am now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My hard work is paying off, and I’m excited for what’s next this season—for both myself and my team.”

Her senior year couldn’t have gotten off any better. Through the first seven games, Schau has scored 17 goals and added four assist. Whatever pressure she may have had coming into the season has not affected her game.

She starts each season like it’s her first season. She goes out there with new goals and just plays to the best of her ability.

“This season, I’ve been on a hot streak, and it’s rewarding to see my hard work translating into points. While I try not to focus on the numbers, I know that true strength comes from resilience and trusting the process,” stated Schau. “I remind myself to stay in the moment, taking it game by game, shift by shift, and, most importantly, having fun—because the game is always better when you’re enjoying it. There’s still a lot of work to be done, and I’m excited to see how much more I can achieve.”

Before each game, Schau is there doing the same routine that has made her successful through high school and travel hockey. Why mess with something if it isn’t broken.

They way she warms up, the way she visualizes the game, the way she puts on her gear, all sets her up for success.

“Every season, I start from the ground up. From the walk to the rink to the first puck drop, I stick to routines that set me up for success. My warm-up, visualization, and even the way I put on my gear—it’s all about preparing my mind so my body can perform,” stated Schau. “I aim to make a strong statement early in the season, letting everyone know I’m here to compete. Every game is a fresh opportunity to improve, and I treat each shift like it’s my last, pushing myself and my team to be our best. My teammates are a huge part of what I’m able to accomplish, and I’m grateful for how we elevate each other.”

Her routine has definitely worked - especially against West Virginia. Poor West Virginia they probably don’t want to see Schau ever again. There is something about the Mountaineers that brings out the best in Schau.

It seems like every time she plays against them she just has the best series of her life. She recently torched the Mountaineers for 15 goals, to go along with two assists.

“Scoring 15 goals and 2 assists against West Virginia this season is a reflection of how much the intensity and energy of those match ups bring out the best in me. There’s something about playing them that really elevates my game—it’s not just the competition but the atmosphere, the challenge, and the stakes. Every time I face them, I feel like I’m in a zone where I’m able to push myself to new limits,” stated Schau. “West Virginia is a good opponent, and that fuels my drive. Knowing they bring their best motivates me to do the same. It’s that feeling of needing to rise to the occasion that really clicks for me. I thrive in high-pressure situations, and I know that these games matter—not only for my personal growth but for my team’s success. That sense of purpose and the desire to contribute to the bigger picture is something that consistently drives me to perform at my highest level.”

West Virginia is just one example of the type of dominating play you can expect from Schau night in and night out. The game is in her DNA. When she steps on the ice, and switch goes off, she is a different person.

She has the passion to be the best player every time she takes a shift. If her shift is 30 seconds, it will be the best 30 seconds on the ice. You will never see Schau take a shift off. That’s not how she is programmed.

“The combination of pressure and passion makes me hyper-focused, and I approach each shift with the mentality of making the most of every opportunity. It’s in those games where I dig deeper, trust my instincts, and focus on executing every aspect of my game—shooting, passing, positioning,” stated Schau. “The energy from those match ups is contagious, and I’m always hungry for more. When I’m fully locked in, it’s a reminder of what I’m capable of, and that motivates me to keep pushing.”

What Schau is capable of is being a multi-sport athlete while at Mercyhurst. Besides playing club hockey, Schau has also played field hockey and lacrosse - while Mercyhurst was a DII school.

Being able to play so many sports, and excel in each one, shows the type of athlete she is. It also shows the dedication that she has for each one. For field hockey and lacrosse, Schau just didn’t take up a roster spot.

She competed, showing she belonged with the best of the best.

“Last year, I was given the incredible opportunity to play field hockey at Mercyhurst when we were still a Division II institution. Although I can no longer play following our move to Division I, I truly miss the experiences and growth I gained from that season. I had never played field hockey before my senior year of high school—just for fun. So, when the Athletic Director at Mercyhurst reached out, asking me to help out with the field hockey team, I was hesitant. I was already balancing two sports, a full course load, and involvement in campus clubs, so I knew time would be tight. But if anyone knows me, they know I'm always up for a challenge,” explained Schau. “In my junior year at Mercyhurst, I ended up starting 10 out of 16 games, leading the team in goals with 7 in my first season. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would play field hockey at the collegiate level, but I gave it my all every day, and to be recognized as one of the top players in the league was a humbling and rewarding accomplishment.”

Being a three-sport athlete is not easy. Even a player like Schau has to be dedicated enough to give it her all depending on the sport. The journey at times has been very demeaning both physically and mentality.

That’s just the athletic side, now add in all the academic requirements that Schau has been doing for the last four years. It can get overwhelming at time, but she wouldn’t change her experience for anything.

“Being a three-sport athlete at DI Mercyhurst has been an amazing and demanding journey. Balancing hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse has pushed me to stay at my physical and mental peak year-round. Each sport brings out different strengths: the endurance and speed needed in field hockey, the strategy and spatial awareness in lacrosse, and the intensity and precision of hockey. Switching between these sports has made me more adaptable and helped me build a well-rounded skill set,” stated Schau. “While the schedule was intense and the days were mentally exhausting, I realized I was given opportunities that many others don’t get. I learned the importance of taking things day by day, managing my time effectively, and taking care of my body. It was an honor to make history at Mercyhurst as the first athlete to play three sports at the Division II level. My hard work paid off as I became a Second Team All-American for hockey and led my lacrosse team with 56 draw controls.”

Especially at the high school level, you will see many hockey players playing lacrosse. The two sports compliment each other well. With both sports you need good stick skills, and you need great hand-eye coordination.

Also, conditioning for both sports overlaps. That’s why it wasn’t a surprise that Schau had such a great lacrosse season, leading the team in draw controls - and scoring 16 goals. This season the Williamsville East High School grad will make the move to DI with the rest of teammates, as Mercyhurst has made the move up.

“Hockey and lacrosse have complemented each other in so many ways throughout my career. The skills I've developed in one sport often translate directly to the other, making me a more well-rounded athlete overall,” stated Schau. “Mentally, both sports have taught me how to stay focused in high-stress situations, manage my energy, and work with teammates to achieve a common goal. Whether it's a power play in hockey or a fast break in lacrosse, the strategic thinking and teamwork that both sports require have made me a better player in each. Ultimately, being able to play both sports has helped me refine my athleticism, push my limits, and learn how to apply lessons from one sport to improve in the other. It's been a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding journey.”

As Schau gets ready to cal it a career, she is thankful for everything Mercyhurst has afforded her to do. She has grown as a person, something she may not have experienced if not attending Mercyhurst.

“As I look back on my college career at Mercyhurst, the thing I’ll take away the most is the incredible growth I’ve experienced—both as an athlete and as an individual. The challenges I faced in balancing three sports, academics, and personal life have shaped me in ways I never anticipated. I've learned the importance of resilience, time management, and pushing through adversity,” stated Schau. “What stands out the most, though, is the relationships I've built with teammates and coaches. The bonds I've formed across different teams and the support I've received from my teammates have been invaluable. I’ve learned how to work with people from all walks of life, how to lead by example, and how to collaborate towards a common goal. Finally, I’ve realized how much sports can teach you beyond the game. It's about discipline, sacrifice, and the pursuit of something greater than yourself. I’m grateful for every lesson and every challenge I faced because they’ve made me the person I am today.”

While she is nervous about what lies ahead, Schau is excited to see what’s out there. Anyone that knows her knows she will tackle the next chapter of her life just like she has tackled everything obstacle that has been put in her way.

The foundation that Mercyhurst has given her and given Schau the confidence to take on whatever comes next.

“The excitement comes from the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I’m eager to take everything I’ve learned throughout my time at Mercyhurst and apply it to new challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s in my career, pursuing further education, or exploring new passions, I feel ready to embrace the unknown and step into this next chapter with confidence. At the same time, there’s a bit of nervousness—change is always a little intimidating. Leaving behind a life that’s been structured around hockey, lacrosse and school means stepping into a world where I’ll have to carve out a new path. The unknown can be overwhelming, but I’m learning to embrace it because I know it’s where growth happens,” stated Schau. “Ultimately, I’m excited for what the future holds, even though I’ll carry the memories of my time at Mercyhurst with me. The foundation I’ve built here has prepared me for whatever comes next, and I’m ready to take it on, one step at a time.”