Plant High’s Neil Diasti gets in done in the classroom and on playing fields

TAMPA, Fla. — When you attend one of the oldest schools in the Tampa Bay Area, the front steps will take you into the main entrance where you are immediately surrounded by history.

Plant High School Class of 2024’s Neil Diasti made this entrance hundreds of times. When you first enter the school, you’re greeted by cases of trophies, symbols of Plant High’s excellence. Neil recently contributed to the Panthers haul with his FHSAA Scholar Athlete of the Year award.

“I think it kind of reflects what I’ve done these past four years and the work I’ve put in,” he said.

What has Neil done these past four years? He just graduated as the school’s valedictorian. And he also served as captain on the track and swim teams. During his four years at Plant, he learned a lot about himself scholastically and athletically.

“Being able to sit down and learn your priorities and being able to time manage yourself and really just be determined,” Neil said.

Whether he was in the pool or on the track, Neil got something out of sports that he didn’t get academically. He was surprised by how far he could push the limits and himself.

“Mental toughness that you don’t really get in the classroom,” he said. “There’s a sense of just personal drive that you have to have to be able to succeed in sports.”

Next up for Neil is the University of Virginia. He plans on studying chemical engineering. And he’s looking forward to the next level.

“I think at college I’ll be able to have a greater and more tremendous impact on a larger community,” Neil said.