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All-Star Spotlight Q&A with Dallastown tennis player John Schmitt


Nobody likes to lose a game, and that competitiveness shows through with Dallastown senior tennis player John Schmitt.

"He hates losing more than he enjoys winning, and that drives him on the court," Dallastown tennis coach Mark Koons said of Schmitt, the GameTimePA.com boys' tennis Player of the Year. Schmitt was also named the Division I Player of the Year last season.

See the rest of the boys' tennis all-stars

Schmitt, the two-time YAIAA Class AAA singles champion, also captured the county doubles title this year with teammate Tyler Lilie.

He took a few minutes to discuss how his game has evolved, his competitiveness and his love of mashed potatoes.

What was the highlight of the season for you?

Probably winning the county championship in singles and doubles. I liked winning doubles with Tyler because he's a friend and I was happy that he could win his first one and I could win another one.

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This is the second straight season you have been named player of the year. What was different about your game this season?

This year I just had more experience and knew how to handle myself better in certain situations.

You also teamed with Tyler some last season. Where has your game improved as a doubles team?

We were a lot more aggressive this season and put balls away at the net like our coach always tells us to do.

Coach Koons says that you hate losing more than you like winning, is that accurate?

I definitely think that's true. Losing is not fun.

You also played soccer. Which do you prefer?

I love them both so much. I don't think I can choose. They are very different. Soccer is a lot of teamwork, and tennis sometimes can be completely individual. I like them both because they are different.

What are your future plans?

I'm heading to (the University of) Pittsburgh.

What are you majoring in?

Not sure yet.

Are you going to play soccer or tennis there?

No.

Why Pitt?

I liked the fact it was in a city with things to do around it, and a couple of my friends are going there.

If they were to make a movie about your life, who would play you in the movie?

I guess I'd pick Will Ferrell because he has curly hair like I do.

What's your favorite food?

Mashed potatoes and gravy.

What's your favorite vacation spot?

A nice beach.

What's your favorite number?

2.

What's your favorite TV show?

South Park.

What's the best advice you have ever gotten?

Never give up even if you're down in a match.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Play soccer, tennis and hang out with my friends.

Click here to explore the complete spring all-star series