Hope Schmitz, the former Park Rapids Area and Bemidji State University Tennis star, was named the new head coach of the Perham/New York Mills Girls Tennis team.

The move was approved by the Independent School District 549 Board of Directors at the Aug. 12 meeting.

Perham Activities Director Erin Anderson said he is excited for Schmitz and the Perham/NYM Girls Tennis team.

“We feel that Hope is the perfect person to help build on what the previous coaching staff accomplished with the Perham/NYM Girls Tennis program,” Anderson said. “Jameson Miller and his staff (including longtime assistant coach, Dave Cresap) have left an incredible mark on the program, and we are grateful for his 14 years of hard work and his commitment to the student-athletes. We are excited to see what Hope’s vision for the program will look like moving forward and how she will continue to build upon the foundation that is set as well as put her own mark on it.”

Schmitz will take over after veteran Head Coach Jameson Miller resigned after 14 years of leading the program to new heights.

“I am very excited; it’s a great group of girls, most of the girls I had on JV, so it will be awesome to work with them again,” Schmitz said. “I am eager to get on our new courts once they’re finished; until then we’ll start working hard on the NYM courts.”

Schmitz was a member of two of Section 8A Runner-Up teams with the Park Rapids Panthers during her high school career. She made the move to collegiate tennis, playing for Bemidji State University. During her time with the Beavers, Schmitz helped the Bemidji High School program by coaching the junior high teams.

Schmitz moved to Perham and became a member of the tennis coaching staff, learning under Miller and Assistant Coach Dave Cresap.

“Tennis has always been a true love of mine,” Schmitz said. “Coaching is something I have always wanted to do. High school girls are fun, and it is a memorable time of their lives. It is fun to experience the higher levels of play and competition.”

Schmitz’s playing and coaching career has been impacted and inspired by several key names in the tennis world in Northern Minnesota. She mentioned her Park Rapids Area Tennis Coach, Bri Morris, as being a substantial influence on her, as well as Bemidji State University Head Coach, Mark Fodness. Fondness recorded more than 400 wins in more than 41 seasons with Bemidji State and Bemidji High School before passing away in 2020.

“She (Morris) always made tennis fun. She has guided competitiveness, but also friendship and teammates are important,” Schmitz said. “My college coach, Fondness, always looked for the hardworking player and not necessarily the all-star player. That shows a lot when you are looking at college, because there is a lot of growth between high school and college. He instilled a positive culture, and success is based on how hard you are going to work. They have inspired me. Jameson (Miller) and Dave (Cresap) have been awesome to coach with here in Perham. They have such a big heart for tennis and the girls.”

Schmitz said her goal for the program is to be competitive and to build upon the culture that has been set previously. She said she hopes the girls continue to gain friendships and continue their love of tennis.

Schmitz is excited for the start of the season and ready to see the growth of the girls, who have put in a lot of hard work over the summer.

Keira Radniecki will join Schmitz on the coaching staff. Schmitz is excited about having her on staff.

“It is going to be perfect to have Keira on staff. She has worked a lot with the girls in summer tennis and has coached with the girls’ program for the past two years,” Schmitz said. “She is from New York Mills, and our program is combined, so it is great to have that relationship and help get players from New York Mills. We have had some great tennis players from both towns in the past, and we hope to continue that culture.”

Rounding out the staff will be veteran tennis coach Lori Peterson, who most recently served as the boys’ tennis head coach for the Yellowjackets.