Building Champions: How Coach Derek White Transformed Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Football into a Powerhouse

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School: A Unique Blend of Academics and Athletics

Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School offers a distinctive educational experience that combines academic rigor, cultural diversity, and a thriving athletics program. Founded in 1903, the private, college-preparatory boarding and day school is renowned for its innovative curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship.

Rabun Gap boasts a unique student body, with representation from over 50 countries and across the United States. This global community fosters an environment where students can learn from diverse perspectives while preparing for the challenges of college and beyond. The school’s motto, “Work, Study, Worship,” underscores its commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who excel academically, spiritually, and socially.

What sets Rabun Gap apart is its holistic approach to education. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized learning, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, athletic fields, and arts spaces. The school's commitment to character education and leadership development ensures that students graduate not only as scholars but as responsible global citizens.

Rabun Gap’s athletics program, particularly its football team, has become a cornerstone of its reputation. The Eagles compete against some of the top teams in the Southeast, providing student-athletes with opportunities to showcase their talents on a big stage. This combination of strong academics and high-level athletics makes Rabun Gap-Nacoochee a sought-after destination for students seeking the best of both worlds.

Derek White: Transforming Rabun Gap Football

Since taking the helm as head football coach at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 2020, Derek White has revolutionized the program, creating a culture of excellence that attracts student-athletes from across the globe. Coach White’s vision has propelled the Eagles into the spotlight as a top-tier football team while emphasizing the importance of personal growth, academics, and athletic achievement.

Season Records under Coach Derek White:

• 2020-2021: 8-3 overall record; 4-1 in region play.

• 2021-2022: 8-4 overall record; 4-1 in region play.

• 2022-2023: 13-1 overall record; 3-0 in region play.

• 2023-2024: 9-2 overall record.

Coach White’s leadership philosophy is encapsulated in the program’s mantra, #BUILT4ships, which stands for "Be Uncommon In The Little Things: Relationships, Leadership, Championships, and Scholarships." This approach underscores his commitment to developing players who excel both on and off the field.

Reflecting on the school’s environment, Coach White remarked, “It’s the best-kept secret in north Georgia, maybe even the Southeast... It’s a great education. It’s hard to find those two in combination together.”

Under his guidance, Rabun Gap’s football program has not only achieved success on the field but also become a pipeline for Division I collegiate talent.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Football Players Signed to Division I Programs under Coach Derek White:

• Darren Agu (London, England) – Vanderbilt University

• Coleman Bryson (Waynesville, NC) – University of Minnesota

• Tucker Holloway (Andrews, NC) – Virginia Tech

• Marlin Klein (Köln, Germany) – University of Michigan

• Linus Zunk (Berlin, Germany) – Vanderbilt University

• Buddy Howard (Lancaster, SC) – Western Carolina University (Baseball)

• Marshall Pritchett (Rabun, GA) – University of Alabama

Coach White’s focus on building relationships and fostering leadership has resulted in a winning culture that continues to attract student-athletes seeking opportunities to succeed at the next level. His dedication to both player development and team success has firmly established Rabun Gap-Nacoochee as a powerhouse in high school football.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, under Coach White’s leadership, has become synonymous with excellence. The combination of rigorous academics, a supportive community, and a winning football culture makes it a beacon for student-athletes aspiring to greatness.