DeRocco is reborn in the pool, life

By Dave Link
Published Saturday, October 24, 2009

There was a time when Tennessee swimmer Michael DeRocco had no plans whatsoever of going to college.

DeRocco, now a junior and one of UT's top swimmers, grew up in Niskayuna, N.Y., and had a highly successful youth career in club swimming.

His career began taking a drastic turn during his freshman year at Niskayuna High School. After his sophomore season, DeRocco decided to quit swimming.

"There was a lot of things that I struggled with, family issues and social issues as well, and there was a little mental burnout if you want to call it that, I guess," DeRocco said. "I just didn't have a good mindset about (swimming), but I believe God wanted me to do this so I just thank God for getting me out of the life that I was in and allowing me to use swimming to get me here where I can have a better future."

DeRocco's life was in a downward spiral when he quit swimming in 2004.

"I was partying a lot, skateboarding a lot," he said. "I wasn't really up to much."

At that time, DeRocco wasn't considering returning to swimming or going to college. He thought he might join the military, perhaps the Marines.

There was a moment, a conversation, and it proved to be a turning point in his life.

"One time I was at a party and this girl I was talking to - I'd just met her - but she was telling me how she knew of me and saying how great I used to be at swimming," DeRocco said. "To hear someone say that, it kind of made me miss those days, and I kind of realized, 'Is this really who I am and is this where I want to be?'

"I did miss it, but I never expected to get back into it and break any state (high school) records. It wasn't my mindset at all. It was just to get back in it and get back in shape and have fun competing."

So that's what he did. He got back into the pool for his senior year (2005-06) and made a remarkable comeback.

In the New York state meet his senior year, DeRocco broke state records in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle. His record in the 50 freestyle (20.65 seconds) broke the record held by current UT coach John Trembley that stood for 35 years. Trembley was born in Schenectady, N.Y., and swam for Shaker High School in Louonville, N.Y.

"We really didn't start recruiting Michael hard until after the state meet," Trembley said. "I'd heard rumblings that he was not a disciplined swimmer or a great student. I went up and visited him and his family, and he visited here, and he conducted himself in a very positive manner."

Trembley saw enough positives to offer DeRocco a scholarship. DeRocco was redshirted his freshman year at UT (2006-07), and by the end of the year had a spiritual awakening.

"After my freshman year, I gave my life to the Lord, and I was complete," he said.

DeRocco earned honorable mention All-America honors with a 10th-place finish in the 200 freestyle at the 2008 NCAA Championships. In two years of swimming for UT, DeRocco has earned four All-America honors and has set five school records. Last Friday, DeRocco won the 100 butterfly and was second in the 50 freestyle in the Vols' season-opening victory at LSU.

DeRocco also is one of the most visible members of Team Unity, which is UT's version of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Trembley said DeRocco has become "almost a maniacal worker" in swimming.

"I know he has lofty international and national goals," Trembley said. "He aspires to represent the U.S. in international competition and aspires to make more of a statement in the NCAAs than he has his first two seasons. A lot of athletes talk the talk but don't walk the walk. I think Michael is walking the walk."

DeRocco said he has become more comfortable sharing his story with others who might be facing some of the struggles he encountered in high school. His goals in swimming have become secondary to his spirituality.

"My goal is not to hold back and give it all I have and be thankful I have this privilege of being here," he said.

Dave Link is a freelance contributor.