Neal Hicks

On The Clock With Neal Hicks

April 2, 2010

A three-time monogram recipient, senior Neal Hicks will lead the Irish attack as a team captain this season. The Atlanta, Ga., native led Notre Dame in points last season with 43 on 25 goals and 18 assists. He started all 16 games and earned second-team All-Great Western Lacrosse League honors. Hicks sat down with UND.com to tell us a little more about himself.

1. Why did you decide to attend Notre Dame?
Mostly for the academics. I wanted to use lacrosse to get me into a better school than I would have gone to otherwise.

2. What was the toughest adjustment coming from Atlanta to Indiana?
The harsh winters were definitely tough.

3. What song are you addicted to right now?
I really like “All the Way Turnt Up” by Roscoe Dash.

4. What are you studying, and how did you decide on this subject?
I’m a management major. I wanted to be in business but I’m not great with numbers, so I couldn’t do finance or accounting, so I ended up here.

5. What is your favorite sport to watch on television, and what is your favorite team?
I would have to say football. I’m a big New England Patriots fan. I’m originally from Boston so I’m a big Boston-area sports fan.

6. What is the best vacation spot you have ever been to?
I went down to Seaside Beach in Florida last summer and that was really nice.

7. How did it help you having two older siblings who played collegiate sports?
They got me prepared for the time commitment and how much you really had to put into it. They let me know it was going to be hard.

8. What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
My personal goal would to be an all-conference selection this year.

9. What is the toughest part of balancing academics with athletics?
It’s difficult to find time for yourself. You need to relax, decompress, and sleep, so you can be at your best when you’re studying and playing any athletics. You need to find time to meditate and focus on what you need to do.

10. What are your favorite movies?
Well, I just watched the most recent “Fast and Furious” movie, so I’ll go with that.

11. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I read the book Lone Survivor (by Marcus Luttrell) last year about a Navy Seal who was lost in combat and it was really good.

13. Which dining hall do you prefer and why?
I’d have to say South Dining Hall because I lived in Dillon my first three years so I was right next to it.

14. What sports besides lacrosse did you play growing up?
I played hockey, football, and tennis. I played a lot of different sports but those I focused on.

15. Who do you look to for inspiration?
My friend Tyler Cross who passed away my freshman year. I always think of him for inspiration.

16. As a senior, what advice would you give to a freshman on the lacrosse team?
I would say there are going to be tough times, but you need to bear with them and get through it, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

17. What do you hope to do after graduation?
I would like to move back to Atlanta and really just get a job that has a salary.

18. What are your expectations for the team this season?
We would like to win the BIG EAST and eventually make the national championship.

19. What has been the highest point of your Notre Dame athletic career?
So far probably going undefeated last year in the regular season.

20. Where do you go when you need to seriously study?
For finals when I really need to get stuff done I go to the upper floors of the library. I find a little cubicle and really hunker down.

21. What do you do to relax after a game or practice?
I usually just go back to my house with my roommates, play video games, watch some TV, just regular stuff.

22. When looking back on your Notre Dame career 10 years from now, what do you want to remember?
I definitely think I want to remember my teammates and all the people I have been on the team with for four years. I know I will remember all those guys.

— ND —