Alexis

Schroeder

• U.S. Junior National Championships: 2016, 2015 (6th), 2014 (7th), 2013 (10th)
• Wisconsin Junior Playdowns: 2016 (runner-up)
• GLCA Junior Playdowns: 2015, 2014, 2013 (champion each year)
• Competed at the U18 International Optimist Championship three times
• Nominated for 2014 Katie Beck Award at Blaine Junior Camp

Curls out of: Midland Curling Club

I have been curling for 7 seasons and curling is my life. Every decision I have made for the last 7 years has always depended when and where I’m curling. Ever since my dad introduced me to the sport, I have done nothing but eat, sleep, curl. My favorite part about curling is the sheer focus and intensity that is needed in every game. I have never been more exhausted, physically and mentally, than I was after a curling game. Most people don’t understand the affect a major competition can have on your body, but I love feeling that moment of 100% pure focus and concentration. The other thing I love about curling is that I get to do it with my sister. I started curling a year before my sister and it took me so long to get her to try it. Six years later my sister and I are inseparable when it comes to curling, and the things that we have experienced together have been absolutely amazing. We have learned so much about each other and I thank God every day that I get to do my two favorite things almost every day: curl and be with my sister.

Curling start: My dad introduced me to curling during the 2010 Olympics. I fell in love with Cheryl Bernard and she became my favorite curler of all time. My first coach was my 7th grade English and he was really the one who got me out on the ice and taught me the game.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up? My favorite curler was Cheryl Bernard. I am a huge Detroit Tigers fan and my favorite athlete was Magglio Ordonez (center fielder).

What other sports do you play? I play basketball and I play the traditional Michigan Tech/U.P. Sport -- broomball.

Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions? My sister and I have a pretty funny handshake that we always do before each game. Also, every year our team always picks a song that really gets us pumped and ready for the game. This year our songs are Jealous and Chains by Nick Jonas.

What is your career highlight to date? My career highlight is from last year’s Nationals. It was our last game of the round robin and we were playing the High Performance Team (Team Christensen). Since this was our last game of the round robin and we knew we weren’t moving on to semis, we went into the game just trying to be happy and enjoy our last game. 8 ends into the game we were down one going into the 9th. I was so proud of how well we played and I was so excited that we were able to keep up with such a great team!

What is one shot you would like to try one more time? In-off off the opponents rock in the 12-foot for the win

Do you have any hidden talents? Something unique about yourself? My hidden talent is that I can back up pretty much any vehicle. My sister tells me that there is nothing with wheels that I can back up and park, trailer or no trailer. Something unique about me is that I am a radio DJ at my college. My show name is The Classic Rock Block with DJ Allie Stone.

What is your favorite sport other than curling? Baseball

What is one thing you’d like to do before you die? Visit La Sagrada Familia (church) in Barcelona, Spain

What sporting event would you most like to attend? Baseball Game

What do you wish you were better at? I wish I was a better runner. I always wanted to run track and field, but was never fast or good enough.

Music:
 Classic Rock: The Eagles, The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pink Floyd, Lynryrd Skynyrd
Other: Katy Perry, Rihanna, Eminem, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker
TV: Grey’s Anatomy, Breaking Bad, Friends

What is your favorite Movie(s)? Any Disney/Pixar Movie, Tarzan, Mulan, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., Polar Express, The Dark Night, The Dark Night Risesm Star Wars/ Star Trek

Who was most influential in your curling development? My first coach was the most influential. I worked with him for about the first four years of my career and he pretty much taught me most of things I know about curling today.

What is your most embarrassing moment on the curling ice? My first U18 in the first end of a game, the hack was a little wet and slippery and I did a huge belly flop onto the ice when I came out of the hack.

Where would you like to spend a week’s vacation? Scotland or Barcelona

What hobbies do you have? Listening to music, playing card games, watching baseball or hockey

What is your earliest curling memory? My first year at U18 (my first BIG competition) our last game went into an extra end and every behind the glass was watching our game and waiting for the opening ceremonies. I remember feeling VERY nervous and then I was so happy when we won and I didn’t have to throw my last rock.

Any nicknames? Allie, Lexi, Alex, Alligator

Curling Strengths? Weaknesses?

Strength: I can pull 4-foot weight out of my back pocket at any time during a game
Weaknesses: Sweeping on the left side

What do you enjoy most about curling? Getting to curl with my sister. Not like any other sport in the way that it makes you use your brain just like you would in school or work (you need to break out all of your problem solving skills and concentrate as hard as possible)

What is your Education background? Studying Electrical Engineering at Michigan Technological University
Other Olympic sport you’d like to try? Water Polo

Who is your greatest competitor? Rival? I think my team’s biggest rival is the boy’s team from my club. We play each other at least once a year and it’s always a really big deal

Favorite color? Orange