Derrick started his rugby career in St Louis and was quickly labeled a star on the rise. He was recruited to the University of Arizona. He led U of A to its first nationals appearance in 2006 and quickly helped make U of A a perennial contender. His tenacity was outstanding on the court. He was the first to practice and the last to leave. 

Derrick took every aspect of the game seriously while always showing appreciation and humility. Derrick's efforts quickly garnered attention from national coaching staffs. Only two years post injury, he made Team Force (national developmental team) and was elevated to the national team only two years after that. In all, Derrick was on Team USA for 10 years, a member the 2012 USA Paralympic Team. He also won four D1 National Championships as a starter, and is regarded as one of the best all-around 2.0s to ever play the game. 

Despite playing some of his best years with a brain tumor and degenerative hearing loss, Derrick's career is exceptional. In 2014, Derrick began having extensive hearing loss. In 2015, it was determined that he needed brain surgery due to seizures. He would have assuredly made the USA Paralympic Team as a high-impact player in 2016, but, due to medical complications from his brain tumor, his physicians advised him to have surgery and forgo the Paralympic Games. 

Derrick served 10 years with Team USA, earning four gold medals at Zonals, two world championships (a gold and bronze medal) and a Paralympic bronze. If not for a serious degenerative brain disease, he might still be playing on Team USA. Additionally, he made 25+ All-Tournament Teams, including four at Nationals. 

Derrick played with class, intensity, creativity and hustle. He was a star, yet he understood the importance and good the time to mentor others. Derrick Helton was a class act on and off of the court.