Annelie Schmittel grew up in Southwest Germany, near the Black Forest region, not too far from the country’s southwestern border with Switzerland. The area is not, as you might expect, all that well-versed in American professional sports.
In less than 10 years since graduating from Winona State University, where she ran track and field, Schmittel has accumulated a wealth of experience in both amateur and professional sports, with a focus on holistic player development.
As she jumps right into her newly created position of Vice President of Player Development with the 76ers, Schmittel joins The BroadCast to talk about the goals she’s set for her new role, and reflects on her past stints working with NCAA athletes, and, most recently, the Oakland Raiders.
To listen to the podcast, click below. And be sure to check out excerpts from the conversation as well.
On her new role as 76ers Vice President of Player Development:
On the circumstances that influenced her to pursue her current line of work:
On breaking into the professional sports player development field as a female:
On the programs she helped initiate with the Oakland Raiders, including Raiders Family Bootcamp:
On appeal of joining the 76ers:
On approach to developing relationships with players on team:
On the importance of a holistic approach to player development in professional sports: