Schaefer attended Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Schaefer played for the school's varsity basketball and baseball teams. He was named Bishop Sullivan's Pitcher of the Year as a junior and senior, as well as being named team MVP as a senior. He pitched to a career 12–7 record and a 2.91 ERA. Schaefer then enrolled at the Charleston Southern University, to play college baseball for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers baseball team.
