Rabun Gap Stories

Athlete Profile: Emil Bennich '22

Athlete Profile! Emil Bennich '22 is a leader for the Rabun Gap lacrosse team and has been a starter and avid play maker for the team for the past two years.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? Are there other teams that you play for? 
I've played lacrosse at Rabun Gap for two seasons, spent the summer playing in Copenhagen, and was picked for a World Cup tryout with the Danish National Team.

What position do you play?
I play midfield and I do some faceoffs.

What inspired you to play lacrosse?
The fact that it was a new sport with fresh obstacles was what drew me to lacrosse. It's a fast-paced game, and once I started playing, it just came easy to me.

What is the best part about playing for the Eagles lacrosse team? 
The best part about being a member of the Eagles is the close bond you form with the other players and coaches. Practice competition and the ability to compete with a relentless effort in every game.

What has been the most exciting game so far for you? 
The game against Lanier High School, which took place at home, was the most entertaining. We played a hard-fought game, and with less than one minute remaining, we went down and scored the game-winning goal.

What led you to come play lacrosse at Rabun Gap? 
Coach Linsley was instrumental in getting me to try out for lacrosse and in making me fall in love with the sport. He worked hard to get me to play, and he assisted me in learning the sport as rapidly as possible.

What is the hardest part of being a student-athlete? How has the environment and people here at Rabun Gap helped you? 
Balancing school, athletics, and homework is the most difficult aspect of being a student-athlete at Rabun Gap. It's extremely beneficial that all of your teachers are aware that you participate in sports, and they are always willing to assist when needed.
 
What is your favorite thing about your coaches? 
They always make me rectify my mistakes and tell me if I'm doing something wrong. It's fantastic how the coaches go into practice with a plan and make sure we get everything done.

What do you like to do in your free time? 
During the school week, I normally spend my free time doing homework or sleeping in the dorm. On weekends, I enjoy getting off campus and socializing with my friends.

What's your favorite class and why? 
Anatomy and physiology is my favorite class. It's a terrific class since we learn a lot about the human body, and Mr. Gittins is an excellent teacher. Another excellent class is my AP Economics class, which prepares me for a career in international business.

What are your plans for after high school? 
My current objective is to return to Denmark and complete my college education at Copenhagen Business School. I'm still considering playing college lacrosse.

What other school activities or organizations/other sports are you involved with?
In the fall, I am a member of the football team, which has advanced to the state championship two years in a row.
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.