MOHAWK'S JUSTIN DESROCHE A UNIQUE STUDENT-ATHLETE

Justin DesRoche is not just another athlete. He's definitely one of the guys, but it doesn't take long to realize his mere participation is more than simply admirable.

The 20-year old Mohawk College volleyball player was born without fingers on his left hand. Growing up, he used special prosthetics in order to play hockey and do everyday things, like cutting his food and doing his buttons up, in his jeans.

"I turned to sports as a way of making myself feel normal and prove to everyone I was just as capable as them," says Justin. "I fell in love with volleyball in grade 10 and worked hard to try and learn to volley and pass the ball which proved to be very difficult. It took alot of practice but with personal motivation and the will to work harder than anyone else, it helped me develop into the player I am today."

As a youngster he also played baseball, football, basketball and pretty much any sport or activity one can think of.

Justin, who also excelled in track and field at Hill Park Secondary School on Hamilton Mountain, has been playing volleyball for six years, but says he never played any level higher than high school, as he was busy holding down two jobs.

Entering his second year at Mohawk College, he is in the Recreation and Leisure Services programme. He made Mohawk's varsity volleyball squad last year and has really grown as a player, finally having a coach. "I did not have a volleyball coach through high school and (my teammates and I) had to coach ourselves during the season."

"Justin oozes determination, says his Mohawk coach Matt Schnarr. "He never makes excuses and works hard every night. His teammates look up to him as he continues to move forward and he is always looking for something new to work on. He is a pleasure to coach and look forward to seeing him succeed even more this upcoming season."

When he manages to find some leisure time, Justin DesRoche can be found camping, biking and fishing. He sums up by saying, "I enjoy the daily challenges I face and take on every challenge head on, without fear of failure."

Note: Justin DesRoche was interviewed by David Grossman on SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN over the Thanksgiving weekend and that interview can be heard online. It starts 4:30 into the podcast at the following address: http://pmd.fan590.com/podcasts/sunday_morning/sm_20111009_101536--October-9-Edition-of-Sunday-Morning.mp3

Source: Al Craig