At Paradise Honors High School in Surprise, Arizona, sophomore quarterback Parker Schmitz is making a name for himself. A member of the Class of 2027, Parker has been playing football for eight years. Although he originally dreamed of being a basketball player, trying out for a football team one spring with his friends changed everything. The game quickly became his passion, and today, football is at the center of his athletic and personal journey.

Parker enjoys the intense competition, the bonds he forms with teammates, and the deep sense of responsibility that comes with being a quarterback. He thrives on the fast decision-making the position demands, the challenge of staying composed under pressure, and the opportunity to lead. Throwing the football and strategizing to help his team succeed are the moments he loves most. For Parker, the challenge is what makes football special.

He believes that great quarterbacks must have strong fundamentals, be extremely accurate, and possess the ability to extend plays when needed. Being open to criticism, Parker says, is essential. “You take all the information because it makes you better,” he explains. Accountability and leadership are responsibilities he embraces proudly.

Parker looks up to NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, admiring his relentless work ethic and the way he builds strong relationships with teammates during the offseason. That same focus on improvement and leadership is something Parker strives to bring to his own game.

Outside of football, Parker enjoys working out, training on the field with teammates, and spending time with friends. He also finds joy in mentoring younger athletes, helping them improve their skills and confidence. While he sometimes plays 7v7 with his school team, his primary commitment is preparing for Friday nights under the lights.

Parker has already made strides by attending events like the Elite 11 Regionals, Elev8te QB/WR Camp, and the GameTime Recruiting Combine. His short-term goals include working hard during spring ball to help Paradise Honors make a statement as they move up to the 4A division. Over the next year, he hopes the team has an incredible season that sets the tone for an even stronger senior campaign.

Overcoming challenges has shaped Parker into the player and person he is today. He once faced a difficult environment where negativity and bullying were common on a previous team. With the support of his family, Parker made the courageous decision to switch schools, prioritizing his well-being and future. Through that experience, he learned to block out the “outside noise” and focus solely on the team and his goals.

Before games, Parker gets into the right mindset by listening to music, thinking through his approach, praying for the safety and success of everyone on the field, and rallying with his teammates. Preparation, focus, and faith are key parts of his pregame routine.

Parker credits one of his first coaches, Coach Danny, with setting him on the path to becoming a quarterback. Learning proper throwing mechanics and leadership skills from an early age helped lay the foundation for his growth.

His advice to younger players is clear: never give up, stay coachable, and always be willing to learn. “Never think you’re the best because there’s always someone better, and you want to continue working to become one of the best,” Parker says.

He also knows the challenges of competing in environments where favoritism exists, but his approach remains simple—outwork everyone and take full advantage of every opportunity given.

Parker’s training is serious and consistent. He works out regularly, prioritizes his nutrition, and spends the offseason training with a CFL quarterback and the team at Throw It Deep. He also spends time building chemistry with his receivers, understanding that timing and connection are critical for success.

One of Parker’s favorite memories is when he started his first varsity game and threw a perfect 14-for-14 passing performance. That experience fueled his excitement to step into a bigger leadership role moving forward.

For Parker Schmitz, football is more than a game—it’s a passion, a mental battle, and a rush that he embraces fully. His journey is a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and love for the game are the keys to building a bright future.