A-K Valley athletes of the week: Freeport’s Sean Fennell, Ashleigh Schmidt

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 | 9:45 PM

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Sean Fennell

School: Freeport

Class: Junior

Sport: Lacrosse

Report card: The Freeport attacker scored five goals twice last Saturday. He put up five goals, including the overtime game-winner, in Freeport's 12-11 road win over Morgantown. After that, Freeport (3-0) hopped a bus and travelled 20 minutes south to Fairmont, where Fennell scored another five goals in the Yellowjackets' 11-10 win.

How long have you been playing lacrosse?

Since fifth grade.

What drew you to the sport?

One of my coaches sat me down in elementary school and asked me if I wanted to play lacrosse.

What should people know about the sport of lacrosse?

It's really fun once you get to know how to play.

Does this team have the talent to make a run?

I think we're going to make it to the playoffs and make it further than we did last year.

Do you have a favorite college lacrosse team?

Maryland. I went to their campus one time for a lacrosse summer camp, and I've liked it ever since.

Does the 10-9 overtime loss to Chartiers Valley in the first round of last year's playoffs still sting?

Yeah, a little bit. Hopefully, we can play them again.

How is this year's team different?

Our midfielders are a lot younger, but they're holding their ground and we have a first-year goalie (Nick Mattivi).

Describe lacrosse in three words.

Fast. Creative. Physical.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I'd have to say (midfielder) Luke Miller.

What actor should play you in a Hollywood movie?

Dave Franco.

What's your favorite subject at school?

Math.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I like to travel.

Where's the most interesting place you've visited?

Cancun.

Ashleigh Schmidt

School: Freeport

Class: Senior

Sport: Softball

Report card: Schmidt is literally batting 1.000 for Freeport (1-0) to start the season. The four-year starter went 3 for 3, including a double and triple, in Saturday's 16-6 nonsection road win over Armstrong. Schmidt, a Penn State Behrend commit, was just as dominant from the circle against Armstrong where she gave up just one hit and sat down two batters over two innings and notched her first win of the season.

How long have you been playing softball?

Since I was 9 or 10.

How does last season's 13-3 WPIAL quarterfinal loss to South Park motivate this team?

Last year and the year before, we lost to them twice now. It's definitely a driving force this year.

Is there any added pressure to go further in the postseason because of all the returning talent?

Not really pressure, it's more like consistency and building off of last year. The vibes this year are different. I see really big things for this team this year.

How far can this team go this season?

I think we're definitely going to go further than last year. In our section this year and how the other teams changed, I feel like we have a pretty good chance.

How is this year's team different?

We have more experience. Being deep into the playoffs, that kind of experience.

How has the Deer Lakes rivalry grown over the past few seasons?

It isn't just in softball; it's in basketball, football. When we play Deer Lakes it's so much more competitive; it's kind of like bragging rights.

What's your favorite treat at Edwards Ice Cream Shop?

Panda Paws. It's an off brand of Reeses'. It's what I get every time I go there.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I would say Rebecca Fennell and Jenna Hildebrand. They don't play any other sports, and I can see how much they've improved from last year.

If you could have walk-up music to the plate, what song would you use?

It would have to be the beginning part of “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. The beginning pumps you up.

What actress should play you in a Hollywood movie?

Scarlett Johansson.

What's your favorite subject at school?

Anatomy, by far.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I like to bake. Mainly desserts, chocolate-based desserts.

What are you going to study at Penn State Behrend?

I'm going to major in nursing.

Do you like the snow?

I like the snow during winter time, but when it gets to March I hate the snow.

— William Whalen

Tags: Freeport