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December 13, 1999
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Freshman Michelle DeFreese knows that persistence and dedication can make a difference. After all, she wasn't always the impact swimmer Head Coach Brian McLaughlin says she is now. When DeFreese began swimming competitively at 12, she almost didn't make the team.
"I started competing later than the other kids, so the coaches wanted to cut me," she said. "I would overhear my teammates in the locker room saying how much better than me they were." Those comments only pushed DeFreese to work harder. She attended practice sessions twice a day-first with younger children closer to her ability level and again with swimmers her own age. "I guess I wanted to prove everyone wrong," she said. And she has. The Rahway native is Montclair State's top swimming recruit this year.
After only one semester, DeFreese already has become a key competitor on the 400-yard medley relay team, for which she swims butterfly. "Michelle would have an impact on any Division III swim team," said McLaughlin.
The relay team is off to a promising start, and though still nine seconds off the time needed to qualify for nationals in March, they're hopeful about their chances. "The team has a really good shot at going to nationals," said McLaughlin. "Michelle just keeps getting better. She's a spirited member of the team and an awesome swimmer."
DeFreese began swimming at the Rahway YMCA at the suggestion of her older brother, David. "I've always taken to water," she said. "I've been able to swim since I was three months old." Though she's played every sport from volleyball to track, she stuck with swimming. DeFreese began her training with Coach David Kessel at Rahway and later at the Metuchen/Edison YMCA when he began coaching there. "I wanted to keep training with him," she said. "He was my coach until the end of high school."
Years of swimming have taught DeFreese the importance of her own efforts during practice. "No matter who the coach is, it's up to the individual to make practice effective," she said. "Different coaches use different techniques, but it's my responsibility to push myself." The contributions of her fellow swimmers also are a source of DeFreese's enthusiasm. "My teammates are an inspiration," she said, citing co-captains Joanne Fusco and Gil Castillo as particularly motivational. "Everyone encourages each other."
Swimming isn't all that interests DeFreese. Her studies are just as important to her. An anthropology major with a minor in archaeology, she is taking part in the Practical Anthropology (PRAN) program and will earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years. She credits her parents with her appreciation for both academics and athletics. "My parents have always encouraged me, but never forced me to do anything," she said. "They left decisions-like the one to continue swimming-up to me. I'm glad, because this is not something anyone else can do for me. The drive has to come from within."