Rory Neal spent three seasons on the State University of New York at New Paltz swimming team, helping the men's program to two fourth place standings at the conference championships during his junior and senior seasons, respectively. He put up a personal best time in the 500-yard free style in his final year at the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championships during the 2018-19 season, and graduated in May of 2019 with a degree in finance.
 
Neal talked about his time as a Hawk and why there is only one SUNY New Paltz. 
 

"To me, the New Paltz experience is much more than 18 credits a semester. Over my four years, I've had experiences that have shaped the way I think and work. I have had the pleasure of meeting people who inspire me to be the best version of myself every day and I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. New Paltz is committed to its students and their achievement — with the right amount of effort you can propel yourself toward your goals and your future. New Paltz athletics was a one-of-a-kind experience that pushed me in every way imaginable, while also giving me the skills to achieve success after graduation. All in all, when I look back at my time at New Paltz I can't imagine replacing any of it."

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