Kroll takes reins as Butler swim coach
BUTLER TWP — Troy Kroll found himself in the right place at the right time.
A native of Western Pa., Kroll and his family were already planning to move back to the region from Maryland after he accepted a teaching position at St. Luke Lutheran School in Cabot.
Soon after, he learned of the Butler Area School District’s search for a varsity swimming coach. He applied and was approved for the job last week.
“I’m really excited to take over here,” Kroll said. “It just felt right, felt like the perfect situation for me.
“I have not met with the swimmers yet, but I’ve heard from a few sources that they’re hungry to succeed. I want to hit the ground running and go from there.”
Kroll takes over for Dave Bocci, who guided the Golden Tornado for 10 years and helped his swimmers to multiple district and state championships.
Kroll swam competitively at Freedom High School, where he graduated from in 2001. He went on to compete at Slippery Rock University where he was a two-year captain before entering the coaching ranks.
He assisted at both Seneca Valley and Blackhawk high schools before moving to Maryland and serving for a decade as the head coach at Great Mills High School, southeast of Washington, D.C.
He also coached swimmers outside of the high school ranks, including as an assistant with Chesapeake Bay Aquatic Club.
“We were pretty successful at Great Mills and I’m hoping to build that type of culture at Butler,” Kroll said. “For me, it’s about the team. Individual success comes from team success. I want all the kids trying as hard as they can, no matter the talent level.”
Said Butler athletic director Bill Mylan: “It’s going to be tough to replace Dave, who did so much for the program, but I don’t know if you can ask for a better resume than the one Troy submitted. We’re obviously excited to bring in someone with that much experience.”
Croll, 39, is still very active. He recently competed in a triathlon at Moraine State Park. He and his family are currently living in Beaver County.
“My wife and I are both (living) close to our parents again and it’s been great,” said Kroll, who does not take for granted the opportunity to coach at Butler.
“I love the sport, the life lessons of working hard, sacrificing time and overcoming obstacles,” he said.
