Born in Wilmington, NC, but raised in Albuquerque, NM, Michael's early roots were established in the southwestern town a mile above sea level. Immediately drawn to every sport that was offered, he dabbled in water polo, baseball, basketball and gymnastics, before settling on soccer, swimming and track as his favorites. A jack of all trades, master of none, Michael was driven to seek other athletic challenges upon his arrival at the University of Texas in fall of 1992. Soon after arriving-in full withdrawal from his involvement in team sports-Lovato entered the UT intramural sprint.