Casey Eidenshink

Classroom

Eidenshink currently owns a strong 3.33 cumulative GPA as a finance major, earning several academic accolades over his career. Last season, he was one of 11 players named to the Academic All-Patriot League Team and one of just seven to be named All-Patriot League and Academic All- Patriot League. Eidenshink earned a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll as a freshman and sophomore for a semester GPA over 3.2 and has garnered the Faculty Athletics Council Award multiple semesters as well. He is a member of Lehigh Lacrosse’s Academic Council, an internal initiative designed to help foster success in the classroom. The council’s responsibilities include helping teammates with course selection, class schedules, time management, study skills and overall team academic progress.He has garnered some impressive work experience within his major as well, including interning at Lincoln Investment Planning. Eidenshink worked in the investment management and research department, working directly with managing directors while leading projects and assignments.

Character

Eidenshink was voted as a co-captain for the 2016 season, serving as a strong leader both on and off the field. He also has taken part in the Student-Athlete Leadership Development program at Lehigh. Specifically, he worked with the Leadership Legacies program which supports veteran leaders and captains in the practical application of emotionally intelligent leadership and the navigation of team leadership challenges in partnership with their coaches. Eidenshink always has been a strong leader, serving as a captain for his La Salle College High School team as well.

Community

Eidenshink and the Mountain Hawks are heavily involved in the community. Just a few days into the fall semester, the Mountain Hawks held their annual community service kickoff for the City of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation. This year, the team handled cleanup under the Fahey Bridge, went into the woods and cleaned up trash and helped clean up parts of South Bethlehem. Next for Eidenshink and the Mountain Hawks was Community Night when Lehigh opened its doors to all members of the community for an hour-long free lacrosse clinic. The Mountain Hawks were the first Lehigh Athletics team to head to Donegan Elementary School for the Reading Rocks program. The whole team spent approximately one hour with the students, helping them read before getting to know the youngsters through playing games and other activities. Lehigh’s lone fall weekend of outside competition came at the HEADstrong SJU Fall Scrimmage. The HEADstrong Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) committed to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families through providing essential programs and services. The Mountain Hawks also participated in No-Shave November as a team to help grow cancer awareness. Lehigh, along with every Lehigh Athletics team, took part in Adopt-A-Family where the Mountain Hawks provided a holiday for a local underprivileged family. The process included shopping for gifts, wrapping them and delivering them December 3.

Competition

Eidenshink has developed into one of the top defensemen in the Patriot League. A second-team All-Patriot League honoree last season, he earned preseason all-league honors heading into 2016 as one of the top three close defensemen in the nine-team league. Last season, Eidenshink enjoyed a breakout season with a team-high 50 ground balls and 23 caused turnovers. One highlight came at Stony Brook, when he held the nation’s leading scorer, Brody Eastwood, to just two shots and one goal. Eidenshink was listed by Inside Lacrosse as a possible sleeper in this year’s Major League Lacrosse Draft.

Eidenshink saw considerable time as a sophomore as well, playing in all 18 games (with one start) and posting 29 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers as the Mountain Hawks advanced to their second straight Patriot League championship game. As a freshman, Eidenshink was part of the 2013 Mountain Hawks’ team that won its’ second straight league title and went on to play North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament.