Rooted in faith and family tradition, Annabelle Schmidt ’22 is forging her own path as a sixth-generation rancher. The lessons she learned at Gonzaga Prep—confidence, community, and perseverance—continue to guide her as she builds a life and livelihood on the land her family has tended for generations..
For Annabelle Schmidt ’22, ranching isn’t just a career—it’s a calling, a family legacy, and a testament to hard work and faith. As a sixth-generation rancher, Annabelle is building a life on the land, carrying forward traditions that have shaped her family for more than a century. But her journey began long before she started her own ranch—it began at Gonzaga Prep.
“I always felt like I belonged at Prep,” Annabelle says. “My family has attended Prep for four generations, from my great-grandfather to one of my youngest cousins, who is now a senior. Some of my earliest memories are of being on campus—watching football games, playing family games on the field. It’s always been part of who I am.”
That deep sense of belonging was matched by teachers who encouraged her to speak up, especially when her values and experiences gave her a unique perspective. She recalls one pivotal moment during her junior year in Señora Traynor’s class.
“A classmate argued that we should eliminate the cattle and beef industry. As a rancher, I knew this perspective was misguided,” Annabelle recalls. She tried to explain how complex it really is, how many livelihoods depend on it, but she was dismissed as misinformed. That’s when Señora Traynor stepped in and said, ‘No, Annabelle is actually a rancher, and her family has been ranching for generations. You should listen to her. She could probably teach you something.’”
That simple act of faith from Traynor made all the difference. Schmidt felt seen. “It boosted my confidence,” she says. “Even now, when I face self-doubt, I think back to that moment and remind myself that I know what I’m doing.”
Annabelle’s earliest memories of life on Schmidt Ranch are of long summer days riding in her grandfather, Mike’s, truck, learning every rhythm of the land. Back then, the ranch was a cow-calf operation—caring for cows and newborn calves through long, cold winters. Annabelle’s job was to distract protective cows while her grandpa tagged and treated their babies. The ranch has since transitioned to a “backgrounding” operation, which cares for and grows weaned calves until they are ready for a feedlot.
Upon graduating from high school and a semester at college, affirmation of Annabelle’s calling began to become clear: She wanted to be a rancher. For more than a year, her Grandpa, Mike Schmidt `80, tried to talk her out of it, but eventually relented. He encouraged her to go work for another local rancher and learn the ropes. After that year, she still wanted to be in the cattle business.
Three years ago, Schmidt brought home her first herd, 32 head of cattle. Last year, she brought 83 home. This year, she hopes to bring 100 home to raise and then bring to market.
The winters can be cold and difficult, but Annabelle wouldn’t have it any other way. Her relationship with the land and the animals speaks directly to her faith. “A big part of my faith comes from the outdoors. It comes from being a part of the creation, from start to finish.”
“I give these animals my all, and in turn, they give me theirs.”
Lessons she learned at Prep continue to ground her as she’s taken on the challenges of running her own cattle operation. In a male-dominated industry, Annabelle has learned that perseverance, humility, and faith are key. The importance of community grounds her.
“Community has been a guiding light as I’ve discovered who I am and what I want to do. Their unwavering support for my unconventional choice to skip college and pursue ranching gave me the courage to take that leap. I’m not just ranching for myself; I’m doing it for my community—my family, friends, and everyone who has supported me. I’m deeply grateful that Prep gave me not only a community but also pride in that community. Life can be uncertain, but the community Prep helped me build is a constant.”
To the young women at Prep today, Annabelle offers words of encouragement grounded in her own experience: “If you’re passionate and confident in yourself, you can achieve anything. Don’t be afraid to take an unconventional path or to work hard for something you love. There will always be people who doubt you, but keep your focus on the people who believe in you—and believe in yourself most of all.”
For Annabelle, one lesson from Prep continues to guide her daily: the power of community. “Community was at the heart of everything at Prep,” she reflects. “My friends, teachers, and coaches supported me every step of the way—even when I chose to skip college and start ranching full-time. I’m not just doing this for myself. I’m doing it for my family, my friends, and everyone who believes in me.”
