At Renton (Wash.) Little League, Hillary Schmidt’s coaching style is known for its energy, fun, and commitment to the development of each player, both as an athlete on the diamond and an individual in the community. As a former Renton Little Leaguer® herself, Schmidt understands the importance of celebrating every player’s growth – whether they are on her team or the opposing one. She sets the standard for volunteers through her displays of sportsmanship and fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity so every youth athlete has the chance to play the game they love.
For her continued commitment to the league and its players, Schmidt was named the 2025 Little League® Softball Coach of the Year, Supported by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA).
“I am so honored and thrilled to be named Coach of the Year. My background with softball started with Tee Ball, and I played all the way through college,” said Schmidt. “Little League has given so much to me, so for me to give back to this organization and be received in such a positive way means everything.”
Also recognized as the January 2026 Little League Diamond Leader of the Month, Schmidt shared her experience in a Diamond Leader Discussion:
Why do you think it is important for coaches and volunteers to take the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program?
It’s really important because there were some things in the Diamond Leader Training that I might not have known to look for unless I had taken it. There were some questions for us to look for, such as their home life, how you should be treating the players, and what you should be listening for, even from other coaches or parents. I just sort of sat back and listened to the scenarios and thought, ‘I am going to pay attention to that,’ and I don’t know that I would have without the training.
What specific lessons from the training do you plan to carry into future seasons?
Remembering that, for some people, this sport is a time filler. For some people, this is the only sport that they get to play this year. It is what their family budgeted for this year, and they get to play it, and that’s a big deal. They are not showing up with brand new bats, but they are just showing up, hoping they can borrow a team bat. So, being someone’s light at practices, making them laugh, and making them excited to be there because you don’t know what their circumstances are at home, that’s the lesson I take away from the Diamond Leader training and carry with me as a coach.
Why should someone volunteer as a Little League coach?
Being a coach challenges you in so many different ways that you don’t see in your everyday life. There is going to be weather to deal with, parents that you might disagree with, and kids who have different abilities and needs. Being able to navigate each different piece and bring everyone together as one big team is so fulfilling. Everyone should be a coach because you get the sky kid on your team who doesn’t say a word at practice, or you get the kid who is the talker. Two very different personalities, and they both need coaches who know how to work with them and get a lesson across to them. Who knows, you could be that coach that the kid needs.
What does it mean to you to be a Diamond Leader, and why should others strive to be one on the field?
To me, as a leader, I am a trusted adult. Beyond the kids’ parents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, grandparents, or whoever their guardian or caretaker may be, I am another trusted adult in this child’s life that they can come to if they are having a hard time. So, beyond a coach, if you have an opportunity to impact a child’s life in a way that they can trust you and come to you if they need help, then that’s huge. That means everything to me, and I think if someone has the opportunity to do that, to show them trust, respect, and mentorship, then they’ve done it. They are doing it. They are a Diamond Leader.
The Little League Diamond Leader program, which was first piloted with nearly 1,000 Little League volunteers throughout the 2022 season, was created as part of the Susan Crown Exchange’s Million Coaches Challenge and developed in coordination with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play. Focused on ensuring children have a positive, well-rounded experience on and off the field, the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program is a FREE educational resource that provides coaches with an understanding of the impact that mental, social, and emotional well-being has in youth sports through detailed information, interactive scenarios, and a variety of additional resources. Learn more and become a Diamond Leader yourself by visiting LittleLeague.org/DiamondLeader.