I Am VMI: Sadie Smith ’26

What truly defines Virginia Military Institute are the people. Cadets, faculty, and staff, both past and present, are what make it “No Ordinary College.” I Am VMI showcases the outstanding individuals who have accepted the challenges and embraced the spirit of VMI. Their perspectives provide authentic insights into life at the Institute and the value of this unique military college.

Role at VMI: 2nd Class Cadet (Junior), VMI Class of 2026
Major: International Studies
Hometown: Ontario, California
Featured Activities: NCAA Division 1 Water Polo | Hotel Co. Commander 2025-26 | Honors Program
Post-Graduation Plans: Government Intelligence

Sadie Smith ’26 was looking for a college that could prepare her for a successful career and life. She said Virginia Military Institute is a place like no other and it offered the kind of lifestyle she was striving for.

“I am a cadet-athlete and VMI makes it possible to balance intense academics, sports, and rigorous military obligations,” she said. “VMI has given me so many tools to succeed and incredible leadership opportunities within the Corps and on the water polo team. I knew I would face many challenges here, but I was looking for that and it has made me into who I am today. VMI has provided me with unique opportunities to build good discipline, honor, and incredible character while putting service before self.”

As an international studies major, she has discovered a passion for national security.

“I enjoy seeing various viewpoints on topics, as well as the variety of skills political science knowledge helps build like writing, reading, debating, and organization. I added a computer science and national security minor because it is very applicable to the field of work that I would like to pursue,” she explained.

Smith went on to highlight the growth her professors encourage. “I especially value the academic challenge here and how well I have gotten to know the professors in the international studies department, they are incredible and always looking to help me succeed.”

She said her experience at VMI has been transformational — for both herself and for her water polo team. VMI has served as a place where she can balance Division I athletics, a challenging major, ROTC, and the opportunity to partake in rank positions within the Corps of Cadets.

“VMI is an environment that fosters professionalism and accountability on a daily basis, which maintains a structured military lifestyle,” she said.

With the opportunity to hold rank, she’s been able to train new cadets by establishing a good culture and spirit. Smith has also been able to balance her responsibilities by practicing good time management skills that have made her a proficient worker, team member, and friend.

“There are very few schools that make it possible to do this, and regardless if you are commissioning or not, you can be involved in incredible leadership opportunities,” she said. “I am involved in training incoming rats at VMI, and have developed so much as a leader and feel that being on a team doing this we give back to VMI by helping to form the incoming rats into a class and setting individuals up to live a successful life here. This all boils down to the connection VMI cadets have with each other and alumni that are long lasting and unlike any other.”

She said she’s proud to be a VMI cadet because she’s been able to embody honor and discipline.

“There is an incredible culture here of hard work and dedication, and I feel that I can rely on anyone to be supportive in the VMI community,” she commented. “The honor system instilled and the ability to sustain it makes VMI special. Discipline and hard work are highly valuable here and will pay off due to all of the incredible opportunities VMI has to offer.”

Although she believes that everyone has the potential to be a leader, she credits VMI for giving her the confidence and support to grow as one.

“This requires facing challenges that are not always pretty or fun in the moment, but they have really shaped me into a well-rounded individual and given me resilience and confidence to attack any challenge with effort and perseverance,” she admitted. “VMI has shown me that when you put your mind to something and are purpose driven, then you can accomplish your goals in all aspects of life.”

Her future hopes include working for the Defense Intelligence Agency. This summer, she is well on her way to that goal with an internship with the agency.

“I feel that VMI has prepared me as a well-versed leader to be able to succeed at this internship and to go out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I feel excited to work in a team environment and hope to receive further opportunities with this agency later after graduation. VMI has also taught me to be prepared for the unexpected and that not everything goes your way all the time. I like to keep an open mind and know that the skills I have learned here will aid me if I receive a job, go to graduate school, or take time to travel after VMI.”

Overall, VMI has given her relationships she knows will last for life.

“I have made so many amazing friends and have had the opportunity to interact with and work with incredible people, teammates, coaches, and professors,” she explained. “VMI, being a small community built on integrity and resilience, allows people to form long lasting bonds and relate significantly on a personal level. Everyone here is on their own path and working at their own goals, however, I love how cadets still feel very connected. VMI also has an amazing support system and resources to succeed in athletics, academic, and military.”