Stella Schmitz signs her National Letter of Intent to play tennis for Rutgers University during a ceremony on Nov. 13, 2024, at Kaiserslautern High School. Left is Schmitz’s mother, Clare Barnard-Schmitz, and right are Kaiserslautern tennis coaches Elizabeth and Gary Martin. Hidden behind the flowers at left is Stella’s father, Frank Schmitz. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Déjà vu hit Frank Schmitz as he watched his daughter, Stella, sign her National Letter of Intent to play tennis for Rutgers on Wednesday afternoon.

Three years and two days before, the former tennis professional and others in attendance at Kaiserslautern High School sat in the common area as his eldest daughter, Aiva, signed to play Division I collegiate tennis.

The main difference between three years ago and Wednesday: Instead of maroon and gold for the Minnesota Gophers, those in attendance Wednesday donned red for the Scarlet Knights.

That and Stella went from a support role to the main attraction.

“We’re … as excited we were with Aiva,” said Frank Schmitz, who has coached both of his daughters on the club scene. “It’s special. A lot of hard work has paid off from the last 10 years.”

As special as it was for Frank, Stella Schmitz expressed her appreciation for her Kaiserslautern tennis teammates, friends and others to witness the signing ceremony.

The festivities included a video of family from the States and a speech from her high school coach, Elizabeth Martin.

“I feel really touched,” Stella said. “It means so much to me to have everyone come and support me. Not only having this moment but having it with the whole community, all my family and friends just makes it 10 times better.”

All in attendance wore Rutgers gear, but the Schmitz family panicked a bit Tuesday when it seemed like it may not be the case.

Only half the items Stella’s mom, Clare Barnard-Schmitz, ordered for the ceremony had arrived. Thankfully, the family possessed more than enough Rutgers clothing and accessories to get all her friends and family decked out for the event.

“Evidently not far enough in advance because not everything came in,” Barnard-Schmitz said of how long ago she ordered the items.

Wednesday was a culmination of a process that went quickly, according to Stella.

The two-time DODEA European girls singles and one-time doubles champion, who didn’t compete her senior season, visited the State University of New Jersey for two days in summer 2023. She met with head coach Hilary Ritchie and assistant coach Hailey Barrett and a few of the players.

The visit left an impression, and combined with her desire to study business, Rutgers was the perfect fit, especially after academic advisers told her about opportunities for internships on Wall Street, she said.

“Not everyone on the team was there, but it was already enough to win me over,” Stella said of the first visit. “The campus was great. The facility was great. The people were great. The coaches were great.

“When they offered, I knew right away Rutgers was going to be my school.”

Stella could have followed completely in her sister’s footsteps, as Minnesota also reached out. But the younger Schmitz expressed a desire to forge her own path.

Yet it came as no surprise to their mother that Stella ended up in the same conference. Barnard-Schmitz played basketball at Marquette University, which, while being in other leagues (the Great Midwest Conference her freshman and sophomore years and Conference USA her junior and senior seasons), sits deep in Big Ten country.

“I’m from the north – the Wisconsin, Minnesota area – so, the Big Ten is something they’ve always had their sights set on,” Barnard-Schmitz said. “They were fortunate, worked hard, and it worked out for both of them.”

Being in the same conference means Aiva and Stella could square off next fall or in spring 2026 if the schedule allows it.

Frank Schmitz said he hoped they don’t meet on the court, even though they have numerous times on the German club circuit. Barnard-Schmitz said she doesn’t expect it to happen because Stella likely will be in a lower singles position as a freshman and Aiva a higher one as senior.

Still, Stella said it would be an enjoyable experience.

“It’s such a fun coincidence to me,” Stella said. “There are so many schools in the U.S., and for both of our schools to be in the same conference and playing against each other makes my decision to go Rutgers even more special.”