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The York Suburban junior is kind of shy, except when she gets into the water.
In the pool Schmittle is relentless. Just ask her opponents at last month's PIAA Class AA championships at Bucknell University.
It was there that Schmittle earned a gold medal in the 200 freestyle and one day later won the 100 freestyle championship and for her efforts has been named the Daily Record/Sunday News YAIAA girls' Swimmer of the Year.
Now it is time to bring her out of her shell with these questions and answers.
What is it like to stand at the top podium after earning a gold medal?
On my gosh, it was cool. It was kind of surreal, I didn't feel like it was actually happening at the time. It was a cool feeling that I got best times and earned my spot up there.
At states, where you ever thinking, "I can win this thing?"
At first going into the meet I wasn't sure, how I was going to do. (Then) my prelim swim for the 200 I was .04 behind and I was like, "I have a shot of this." When I won the 200 I was psyched for the 100.
How cool was it to bring attention to your girls' team?
I am really proud of the guys. They deserve all the attention they get. It's cool when the girls do well and get some of attention. We have a lot of depth with freestyle events.
How do you prepare for a big race?
Sometimes when waiting to come on deck I listed to iPod. I always stretch and jump around to get my heart rate up. And then I talk to people. I have to keep mind off the race to help me relax.
Do you have any superstitions?
(I have a) good-luck bear. Me and (teammates) Jenna Bentz and Rachel Buchanan went to "Build-A-Bear" and built bears.
Do you approach your two main events, the 100 and 200 free, any differently?
With the 100 being more of a sprint I get more excited for that. I used to do the 50, this is the first year I did 200 it worked out pretty well. I try not to sprint at the beginning of the 200.
Which is favorite non-freestyle event?
That's a tough one. I guess maybe the a butterfly. I used to swim butterfly when I was 10, but I am not very good at it anymore.
What opponent gives you the most fits in the pool?
Haley Miller (of Dover). She is a really good swimmer and a good competitor. Before a race we will talk to each other. We are friends and get each other psyched.
Is the water ever too cold?
Yes, I thought the water was cold at districts. I thought there was a difference. There might not have been. Our home pool in the morning. It is the same temperature, but it is early in the morning.
You swim a lot with high school and even more so with club team. Ever get sick of the pool?
Yes. I do, especially during mid season. You are tired and not doing well at swim meets because you are tired. It is so much fun at end of season when getting best times.
Are many colleges contacting you?
Quite a few, especially after states. When I got back there was a big pile (of mail).
Your school has had so many outstanding swimmers come through it. Did you ever dream you would be a part of history?
No, definitely not. My freshman year I remember looking at record board seeing names and times, I never thought I would up there with them. (But) working hard and believing in myself I got there.
Is teammate and emotional leader Jenna Bentz ever quiet?
No. It keeps everyone upbeat most of the time.
After watching you and older sister Katelyn swim for years I have referred to you in the office as "Little Schmittle," but that isn't quite accurate. Do you mind?
I am taller than her. No, I don't mind. It doesn't bother me.
If you didn't swim, what other sport would you play?
Probably track or soccer. A lot of my friends do track and it looks like fun, it is similar to swimmer but it is on dry land. I played soccer when I was 6.
Can you imagine being a standout in swimming and track like former Trojan Whitney Peach was?
No, I like to focus on one thing. I don't know how I would be able to handle both.
Who is your hero?
I look up to my sister Katelyn. She is really outgoing, which I am not. Even if she isn't the best swimmer she still has a lot of fun.
Swimmers are these awesome athletes that never eat junk food, right?
Sometimes, yes. Ice cream, definitely (Moose Tracks with peanut butter) and Reese's. Anything Reese's - cups or Fastbreak bars.
What is your favorite activity outside of the pool?
Probably shopping (for) clothes in general. I like to go shopping with friends all the time. It gets my mind off school and swimming.
What is favorite school subject?
Science and math.
Who is your favorite famous athlete?
Natalie Coughlin and Katie Hoff, because of all of their success with swimming and the Olympics. They are people I look up to.
What would you like to be doing 10 years from now?
I am thinking about the medical field. I am just not into the whole grammar thing.
What do you do that drives your parents crazy?
Probably they will tell me to do something and I will say "I'll do it" and then I don't. I get sidetracked pretty easily.
Speaking of your mom, were you aware that you made her cry at states?
She gets kind of emotional at times. I guess I can't blame her.
Favorite food?
Animal crackers.
Movie?
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."
Musical artist?
Right now it is Taylor Swift.
Song?
"What Is It" by Baby Bash.
TV shows?
"The Hills" and "House."
