Haverford School’s Ryan DiRocco is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (April 17-23)
The senior attack and captain has been leading the attack for the Fords (7-2 as of April 17) this spring, tallying 15 goals and dishing out 18 assists in Haverford’s first nine games, including a hat trick in both the Fords Inter-Ac opener against Malvern Prep, and against Hill School. As a junior, he received All-Main Line boys’ lacrosse honors, and will continue his lacrosse career next year at the United States Military Academy at West Point. A multi-sport athlete, DiRocco plays soccer for the Fords and played ice hockey for Haverford School as a freshman.
Q: As a multi-sport athlete, what do you think are the advantages of being a multi-sport athlete as compared to specializing in one sport? How has it enhanced your lacrosse game?
A: Playing different sports allowed me to take things away from them and bring them into my lacrosse game. I took several things away from playing soccer and hockey, and I always maintained a good general fitness.
Q: What aspect of your lacrosse game did you work on most during the past off-season?
A: I spent a lot of time in the weight room at Haverford this offseason and worked on my fundamentals on the field.
Q: What has been the biggest key to your productive scoring?
A: Our offense works really well together, I credit it to all the guys working hard together and trust in each other, our coaches, and our strong faceoff unit.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in lacrosse. Have you always been an attackman? What originally attracted you to lacrosse?
A: I’ve played lacrosse since before I can remember, playing a little bit of everything. I settled into attack later on.
Q: Who have been your most important lacrosse mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: All my coaches have taught me lots and I’m thankful for all of them. My Dad also helped me build a strong foundation when I was young.
Q: As a senior captain, how do you feel you can best fill the role of team leadership?
A: Leading by example is the best role for me.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 4 for Haverford School lacrosse – is there a reason you picked that number?
A: I chose it because I played soccer for Haverford School with that number.
Q: What is your favorite course at Haverford School? What do you think you might want to major in at West Point?
A: I’ve always enjoyed history in school, but have an open mind going into college.
Fun facts – Ryan DiRocco
Favorite book: Friday Night Lights.
Favorite author: Ryan Holiday.
Favorite TV show: Jack Ryan.
Favorite movie: Inception.
Favorite athlete: Alex Ovechkin.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Hooked by Notion.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: North Carolina.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta.
Person I most admire, and why: “My parents because they are always so supportive of me.”
Family members: parents Matt and Kristi, brother Aydan, sister Maryn.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
