With 2011 nearing its close, the Reporter is taking a look back at the best that was in the world of Bellevue area sports and recreation. From now until the end of the year, we will recap the best moments, stories and athletes of our area.

Person of the Year – Tyvan Schmidt, Sammamish Lacrosse Club

One of the best parts about covering local sports is having an opportunity to meet such an incredible variety of individuals and learn more about their lives away from the game.

No one had a more interesting story than Tyvan Schmidt.

Schmidt was one of the leading goal scorers in D-II for the his state runner-up squad from Sammamish Lacrosse Club, mixing an effective blend of awareness and speed to evade more physical defenders.

“I’m not the biggest guy,” Schmidt said. “But I’m quick.”

In addition to his work on the field, Schmidt was a member of the Sammamish High School choir for his senior year after harboring a passion for music throughout his life.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

He is one of the many students who have found a niche in the school’s glass blowing program as well, creating countless works of art that have been put on display for peers and faculty to admire.

But the accolades and creative skills are only part of what make Schmidt the Reporter’s Person of the Year.

After completing his own community service requirement for graduation, Schmidt spent some additional time at a daycare program through the Salvation Army to both continue giving back and offer some company to a friend who was still in need of some hours.

Sammamish Lacrosse Club, which registers players who attend Newport, Interlake and Sammamish High Schools, has a built-in youth program. Schmidt couldn’t resist a chance to give something back to the game that offered so many opportunities to him, spending time teaching the next generation of lacrosse players the ins and outs of the game.

Also considered: Alysha Dhami, Interlake tennis; Carew Giberson-Chen, Interlake softball

The rest of the Best: Humanitarian Recognition; Biggest Surprise; Comeback Story