[1] In Junior High, around 2012–2014, Sierra swam for Hall of Fame Coach Dick Shoulberg while attending Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania and competed in a number of events including the 1650 free.

[1] She was a multiple time junior national champion in 2014 and competed for the North Baltimore Aquatic Club from 2014 to 2016.

[6] Schmidt won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in the 800 metre freestyle.

She was a six-time CSCAA All-American, Big Ten champion in the 800 free relay, as well as a two-time Big-Ten Distinguished Scholar and four-time CSCAA Scholar All-American during her time in Ann Arbor.

Schmidt announced that she signed a sponsorship deal with TYR Sport on June 3, 2021.