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Schmitt stands tall as leader of Canada's men's volleyball team

Schmitt stands tall as leader of Canada's men's volleyball team

On a volleyball court full of giants, Gavin Schmitt still stands out. Schmitt, a behemoth at 6-foot-10, 234 pounds, is one Canada's biggest names despite playing in relative obscurity at home. 

Overseas, however, Schmitt is popular star and is considered one of the best pro volleyball players in the world. At the Pan Am Games he’s helped power Canada to a perfect 3-0 record and a berth in Friday’s semifinals.

When he played for Daejeon Samsung Bluefangs in South Korea, it wasn’t uncommon to have an adoring home crowd of 7,000 fans chanting his name. He loved his time in the country so much, he got a tattoo with the words: commitment, perseverance, and passion – his coach’s mantra - tattooed on his torso in Korean.

Schmitt was so popular there he’d be recognized and stopped on the street. There was even a marriage proposal sent his way.

The recognition was hard to adapt to for the modest, but affable 29-year-old native of Saskatoon.

“Being in a place where people recognize me is more awkward for me,” said Schmitt of the attention. “But I feel so blessed and fortunate that, that happens. Anytime someone wants a picture with me I’m like, ‘Oh absolutely!’ because I never thought in my wildest dreams that someone would want a picture with me, you know? It’s a great feeling.”

Volleyball has taken Schmitt around the world professionally, playing in parts Europe, Asia and Russia. His most recent stop was in Turkey where he played for Arkas Izmir under Team Canada head coach Glenn Hoag.  

“I don’t really like him that much but it was OK to play for him,” said Schmitt, with a laugh.

Hoag, of course, was standing right next to him and flashed a smile.

“No, seriously it was nice to have that consistency with your coaching staff so they’re not trying to do wacky things for you,” he said. “(Hoag) knows me. I’ve played for him for, gosh, nine years now so he knows how to bring out the best in me. It’s really great.”

Next season Schmitt plans on playing in Brazil for Funvic Taubate, where he will no doubt become a fan favourite.

KATOWICE, POLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Canada's Gavin Schmitt (left) attacks against Germany's Sebastian Schwarz (right) during the FIVB World Championships match between Germany and Canada at Spodek Hall on September 14, 2014 in Katowice, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images for FIVB)
KATOWICE, POLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Canada's Gavin Schmitt (left) attacks against Germany's Sebastian Schwarz (right) during the FIVB World Championships match between Germany and Canada at Spodek Hall on September 14, 2014 in Katowice, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images for FIVB)

And the way he’s playing for Canada right now his anonymity at home might also be short lived. On Tuesday night he was powerhouse for the home side with 14 points as Canada rallied to defeat the U.S. in a thrilling five set victory (19-25, 25-27, 25-23, 25-16, 15-12). He’s the second highest scorer in the tournament, behind American Zach La Cavera, with 43 spikes, two blocks and six service wins for 51 points.

Every time Schmitt was on the court, the crowd of 4,500 was electric cheering for every winning serve and crushing kill. The P.A. announcer at Exhibition Stadium’s Hall A would whip fans into a further frenzy by broadcasting every “Schmitt Smash” that rained down on the U.S. squad. Against the Americans his fastest serve was announced at a pedantic 109 km/h, though he’s been clocked in the 120s before. There were times during the game where his spikes were nothing more than a blur ending up on the other side of the floor.

His power is so impressive, it leads one to wonder if he’s ever tried to see what kind of destruction it could inflict.  

“Well, I did once break a volleyball,” said Schmitt.

Wow, seriously?

“It was one of those really old white volleyballs they used to use way back in the day and it was 15 years old. Really, anybody probably could have done it. I was at a senior men’s tournament and they had me hitting it until it broke and it eventually split open. It’s really not that impressive because the ball was old and decrepit.”

Whatever you say, Gavin.

“Please don’t blow that out of proportion.”

There’s no need to, since it’s all a part of his ever-growing canon. Schmitt, after all, is the guy who was discovered at a Saskatoon restaurant as a teenager by a volleyball coach, who eventually ended up recruiting him. At the time he was 16 or 17 years old, playing basketball and already 6-foot-8.

“You don’t see a lot of 6-foot-8 kids wandering around restaurants,” said Schmitt.

He even boasts his own Twitter hashtag. The aptly named #HolySchmitt.

Schmitt’s not exactly sure how it started but he thinks it had to do with a sign someone once brought to the game which he ended up Tweeting out at some point.

“People kind of picked up on it and kind of ran with it,” said Schmitt.

There’s little doubt as Canada and Schmitt continue to muscle their way through the tournament that the hashtag will end up being put to more good use on the Internet.

“I think it’s hilarious. It’s great.”