It took freshman Gianni Ferrero less than three weeks to go from “freshman” to “phenom.”

Ferrero became the newest member of the Grand Valley State University men’s swimming and diving team after he moved from Idstein, Germany to the United States in December.

“I had to leave everything behind me,” Ferrero said. “I was afraid to learn a new language and to meet so many new people, but it has actually been pretty easy. People are much more friendly here. It’s been great.”

The Lakers saw Ferrero on film, and when they received word of his plans last summer, GVSU had high expectations for their new teammate.

He was originally going to begin his collegiate career at GVSU in the fall, but a snafu with his SAT’s delayed his enrollment until the start of the winter semester. He immediately proved he was worth the wait.

“We knew he was going to be fast,” said junior teammate Michael Griffith. “Then he broke a freshman record in his first meet. He’s even faster than we thought he would be.”
Ferrero was just getting started.

In his first three meets, Ferrero has already won seven individual events, notched a trio of NCAA B cut times and broke a pair of GVSU pool records. His time in the 500 freestyle (4 minutes 30.75 seconds) was more than five seconds faster than the previous mark.

The 5’ 11 freshman was immediately recognized for his success in the pool, and was named a GLIAC Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Week as well as CollegeSwimming.com’s Swimmer of the Week.

“He has very good technique, and his turns are masterful,” said GVSU head coach Andy Boyce. “He has raised our relays to the next level. It should be a lot of fun to see how these next few weeks go.”

The Lakers have a shot at winning the GLIAC title in 2013, but currently trails Wayne State University in the standings. GVSU is currently ranked No. 12 in the NCAA, one spot behind their cross-state rivals.

“I’m a team player,” Ferrero said. “I need the team to push me to get better, just as I need to push them. The GLIAC championships are coming up in a few weeks, hopefully we can perform well there.”

The Lakers not only added another talented swimmer to their roster, but also somewhat of a jokester.

“He’s hilarious,” Griffith said. “He was a little quiet when he first got here, but he’s definitely warmed up. Gianni is just one of the bros now.”

The Lakers have won all three meets in 2013, with victories over Nova Southeastern University (137-61), University of Findlay (242-36) and Wayne State (165-135).

Both GVSU squads will conclude their regular season on Saturday, when they welcome the University of Indianapolis to Allendale at 1 p.m. The GLIAC Championships will start Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. in Canton, Ohio, and the NCAA Division II National Championships are scheduled to begin March 6 in Birmingham, Ala.

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