For Parker Schmitz, a sophomore at Paradise Honors in Surprise, Arizona, football is more than just a sport—it’s a passion, a refuge, and a platform for personal growth. After playing for five years, Parker has found football to be the one place where he can fully express himself and channel his frustrations. Now, as the quarterback for his team, he’s shaping himself into a leader and leaving an indelible mark on the field and his teammates.
The Journey to Quarterback
As the leader of the offense, Parker thrives on making an impact that uplifts those around him. “The thing I enjoy most about being a quarterback is being the leader of the offense and just being able to have that impact on the team to where I make the players around me better,” he shares. Beyond the individual glory of playing his position, Parker values the bonds he’s created through the game. “The family and brotherhoods you create throughout the sport are definitely what I enjoy the most about playing football.”
Qualities of a Great Quarterback
Parker is keenly aware of what it takes to excel as a quarterback. He believes the essentials include intelligence, composure, and resourcefulness. “Being smart with the ball, playing calm, and being able to make something out of nothing on plays” are traits he strives to embody. These qualities align with the player he admires most—Patrick Mahomes. Parker looks up to Mahomes for his calm demeanor under pressure and his knack for making extraordinary plays seem effortless.
A Relentless Work Ethic
Training is a cornerstone of Parker’s development. From lifting weights to refining his skills on the field, he’s dedicated to becoming a better athlete. During the offseason, his focus shifts to building strength, speed, and size. “My short-term goals are to get stronger, faster, and bigger,” Parker explains. His commitment is evident in his routine, which includes four to five throwing sessions a week, speed drills, and strength training in the weight room.
Beyond the physical grind, Parker values the learning opportunities presented at camps, where he gains insights from former players and experienced coaches. “It’s great knowledge, and you can get feedback that could really change you as a player,” he says.
Overcoming Adversity
Parker’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Early in the season, he faced his first varsity game against the #2 team in the conference, which resulted in the worst performance of his career. Instead of letting it define him, Parker used the setback as motivation. “I overcame it by giving it my all the whole next week in practice, and then I had the best game of my whole career.”
Another significant challenge came during his time at Valley Vista High School. Parker felt he wasn’t in an environment conducive to his growth and made the difficult decision to transfer to Paradise Honors, a smaller school in a 3A division. “I got laughed at and made fun of,” Parker recalls. “But honestly, just go somewhere that you’re valued.” The move proved to be transformative, as Parker found a supportive team and coaching staff that believed in him.
Faith and Mentorship
Faith plays a central role in Parker’s approach to football and life. Before every game, he listens to music and prays, drawing strength from Philippians 4:13: “We can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength.”
Parker credits Coach Josh Goodloe and his staff for being instrumental in his growth this year. “Coach Goodloe helped me improve mentally off the field and on the field as a football player. Truly the best coach I’ve ever played for. Him and his staff truly believed in me, and it was special and a blessing to play for him.”
Memories and Milestones
One of Parker’s most memorable moments this season was throwing his first varsity touchdown to a senior who inspired him to transfer to Paradise Honors. “It was the best way to have my first touchdown,” he says. Moments like these fuel his passion and remind him why he plays the game.
Looking Ahead
Parker’s goals reflect his determination and vision. In the short term, he’s focused on improving his physical capabilities. Long-term, he has his sights set on winning a state championship and earning All-Region honors as a quarterback.
To aspiring players, Parker offers valuable advice: “Have a short memory and don’t be too hard on yourself.” His resilience, work ethic, and leadership make him a player to watch as he continues to grow and leave his mark on the field.
For Parker Schmitz, football isn’t just a game—it’s a journey of personal growth, faith, and brotherhood, and he’s determined to make every moment count.