Schmidt played a key role out of the bullpen as a late-inning reliever for Stanford as a freshman in 2012. Schmidt made 24 appearances, all in relief, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.41 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 31.2 innings of work.

Schmidt was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 47th Round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft, but opted to attend Stanford instead. A four-year letterman at Christian Brothers College Prep in St. Louis, Schmidt was a First Team All-State, All-Metro and All-Conference selection as a senior in 2011. Schmidt helped lead his team to its first-ever state title as a junior. Schmidt was also a standout hockey player, helping his team win two state championships, scoring the game-winning goal in the state title game as a sophomore.