ASHKELON, ISRAEL – Benjamin Cook, a native of Dallas, Texas has represented the blue-and-white on the field since 2018, will move to Israel in October to participate in Israel Lacrosse’s Masa Gap-Year program.
Cook will live like a local, train and compete, and help develop the sport in Israel. The 18-year-old attacker will U20 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships, held in Limerick, Ireland from June 17-26, 2021, as well as other international tournaments.
Cook was a part of the 2018 Winter Service Trip where he grew the game of lacrosse across schools in Israel and competed in exhibition games. Most recently Cook was a member of the High-Performance Track on the Winter Service Trip to Israel in 2019, where he took part in touring, volunteering, and lacrosse, including domestic competition with and against top Israeli high school teams. Cook also represented the blue-and-white on the field in the 2019 Heritage Cup in Philadephia, PA, playing in five games, recording four goals throughout the tournament.
“It’s been great getting to know Ben from the service trips to Israel,” said Jacob Silberlicht, Director of Men’s Lacrosse and Acting Men’s Head Coach. “He is outgoing, personable, and humble and we cannot wait for him to join us in Israel and watch him grow as a player and person.”
Cook is a former player and graduate of Plano West Senior High School, where he was a 3-time offensive MVP and a two-time starting captain for Wolves. He was also a member of Iron Horse Club. Cook will take his talents to the University of Kansas in 2021, after spending a gap year training, living, and competing in Israel.
Masa Israel Journey offers young adults between the ages of 18 to 30, a unique and life-changing opportunity to experience Israel. In 2015, Masa Israel Journey officially recognized the Israel Lacrosse Gap Year Program as a member of its organization. Israel Lacrosse is the nation’s fully functioning National Governing Body of the sport that has a large range of internships and opportunities to offer. Participants of our gap year programs will have an immersive experience to explore their interest, build their resume, interact with Israelis, live like a local, all while contributing to the growth of lacrosse in Israel.
Athletes who are interested in learning more about the Israel Lacrosse Gap Year program should contact Director of Gap Year, Seth Mahler at [email protected].