Class of 2011

Emil Weiss is a 2011 graduate of Apex High School. As a freshman goalie on the 2008 Apex Lacrosse team, Emil was named the Defensive MVP of the state championship game, as Apex was defeated by an incredible team from Chapel Hill. In that state championship loss, he recorded 22 saves and handled the ball perfectly. He proved to be an incredibly effective leader on a team that had 18 seniors. His confidence and calm demeanor in the toughest of circumstances were evident as a freshman, and were characteristics and core traits that allowed him to flourish for all four years at Apex. Over the course of his career, Emil played in three state final fours, and in two championship games in 2008 and 2010. He was the only three-time captain in the history of the program. He was a two-time All-American and two-time First Team All-State selection, and was named State Player of the Year by the News and Observer in 2010. A dynamic player and athlete, it was common to see Emil take the ball he had just saved and sprint all the way down the field to score or assist a score.

In addition to Emil’s impact on the field, he set a tone off the field of leadership and service. Emil volunteered with local lacrosse teams and connected with the youth of Apex and the entire Western Wake region in a way that promoted the growth of lacrosse in our area, as well as increased Apex High School’s status as a lacrosse leader. After games, Emil often stopped to talk to young lacrosse players who wanted to speak to him. He was truly an ambassador for the game. Academically, Emil was a strong student at Apex High School and was a member of the National Honors Society. He also was enrolled in the Apex High School Academy of Information Technology program and as part of his internships, he utilized a state-of-the-art video editing program to help break down film for the team and coaches.

Emil was recruited by the University of Michigan to come in and be the first starting goalie in the history of the school’s brand-new program. As the starter and a leader on this young team, Emil had a 52% save percentage and is credited with the first win in the program’s history.

Emil will always be remembered as one of the best lacrosse players at any position that Apex has ever had. He led the program both on the field and off and elevated the team to new heights.

Emil would like to thank his family, coaches and teammates for all they contributed, and without whom he would not have had the success and opportunities lacrosse presented him—both on and off the field. Emil would like to specifically thank Coach John Hayden for the countless hours he spent developing him as a lacrosse player and young adult. Emil would like to leave everyone with the following message: “High School sports at Apex are one of my fondest memories. The time spent at school, in the locker room, at practice, or in games forever shaped who I have become. I cherish those memories greatly and encourage everyone to get involved with Apex sports in any way they can.”