When looking at colleges, Brett Neal wanted something different. He certainly got it at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). This Chandler, Ariz.-native admits to a twinge of culture shock when he first arrived on Long Island. But he wanted to play lacrosse, and he wanted a college that offered a great mix of academic excellence and commitment to athletics. With a lacrosse scholarship in one hand and a biology textbook in the other, Neal embarked upon the NYIT experience.

Neal, now a junior, is focusing on life sciences to prepare for a career in medicine. With lab partner Alana Murphy, he tackles Organic Chemistry II before heading off to lacrosse practice, followed by Physics for Pre-Med. Then it’s back home to study and unwind as another week at NYIT gets underway.

You could call Neal a fast learner—he has only been playing lacrosse since high school and already is a starting defenseman and team captain for a three-time NCAA Division II championship team.