ASHKELON, ISRAEL – Justin Tepper a native of Pikesville, MD who has represented the blue-and-white since 2018 will relocate to Israel in October to participate in Israel Lacrosse’s Masa Gap Year program.
Tepper will live like a local, train and compete, and help develop the sport of lacrosse in Israel. The 19-year-old midfielder will also have a prioritized opportunity to be evaluated to compete at the U20 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships, held in Limerick, Ireland from June 17-26, 2021, as well as other international tournaments.
Tepper represented Israel in 2018 as a member of the Men’s Festival Team, competing alongside the 2018 World Championship in Netanya, Israel. He represented the blue-and-white against George Washington University to help IDC Herzliya came back from a 5-0 deficit win 13-12.
“We are looking forward to the speed that Justin will bring to our team this year. In a time when rules changes seem to favor two-way middies, we think that Justin could fit into that role nicely,” said Jacob Silberlicht, Director of Men’s Lacrosse and Acting Men’s Head Coach. “Off the field, we are certain he will be a good fit, both with his direct teammates, and also his Israeli counterparts.”
Tepper will be joining us for the full gap-year and will return to Stevenson’s University in the fall of 2021 for his sophomore season. He is also a graduate of Beth Tfiloh High School where he led his team to victory, winning the school’s first-ever MIAA conference championship in 2017. Tepper won all 10 faceoffs in the first half and went 14 of 18 in the second half securing the win. He was named all-conference all four years in high school.
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 Men’s Lacrosse, Seth Mahler at [email protected].