Panthers’ Tennis Star Recipient Of Sportsmanship Award

By  //  June 3, 2012

Humbled By Honor

Mike Schmidt conducts himself with class both on and off the court. (Florida Tech image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech’s Michael Schmidt was named the Sunshine State Conference’s Sportsmanship Award winner Thursday.

He is the second Panthers player to win the award in as many years.

One season ago, former men’s golf player Corey Menter was the league’s male sportsmanship award recipient.

The recipient of this year's Sunshine State Conference’s Sportsmanship Award is tennis player Michael Schmidt of Florida Tech. (Image courtesy Florida Tech)

A senior from El Paso, Texas, Schmidt conducts himself with class both on and off the court.

It was not uncommon to hear him compliment his opponent on a nice shot, even when it may have resulted in a point at his expense.

Serving as one of his team’s captains, Schmidt ruptured his plantar fascia tendon in his final season.

Despite the injury, he continued to participate in a boot for three months, making every conditioning and court practice to motivate his teammates despite his own limited mobility.

His determination eventually helped him work his way back into the Panthers’ lineup.

Schmidt’s efforts in the classroom were as dedicated as those on the tennis court.

He graduated last month with bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and mathematical sciences.

His cumulative grade point average was 3.77 and he received the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering’s Outstanding Student Award at the spring honors convocation.

Schmidt also served as a residential director at Florida Tech.