Inner city kids discover lacrosse, and life-changing lessons

>>> time now for our friday night "making a difference report," and tonight it is about a man who came back to give to kids, where he himself was offered the same freedom to dream big . our "making a difference report" from nbc's ron mott.

>> reporter: turning fun into future success is where he spent his time, pushing the sport these youngsters hardly know. he started inner city lacrosse, for young kids like him.

>> i couldn't believe it, they wanted us to join.

>> a lot of people can't afford to participate in these activities, and sometimes you find yourself even in that situation.

>> reporter: lacrosse, a lot of people think it is an elite sport.

>> i think it is, but let's change that.

>> reporter: growing up in the shadows of an ivy league tower like the one in new haven, connecticut, fuelled a burning desire to overcome.

>> i grew up in the section where they told the yale students not to go.

>> reporter: a single mom , youngest of six, he jumped at the chance to get ahead.

>> when i walked on the campus, i felt so important, and smart. and so i wanted to introduce that element.

>> reporter: so he convinced the equipment-makers to give him free gear, and persuaded lacrosse coaches from yale and his alma mater , trinity college , to help the kids in need of an opportunity.

>> the same excitement you have for this game is the same excitement you need to have in school.

>> reporter: his drive took him just an hour away from his roots, to one of the most prestigious schools in the country. today, as admissions director, he helps to find some of the best and brightest young minds around the world, and hopes to discover even more here.

>> that is what i want for the inner city kids, that you can have this imagination. yes, you belong.

>> reporter: a message heard loud and clear.

>> so cool knowing a person who goes here, and then my dream is to go to yale .

>> reporter: on a new field of