It took until late into his sophomore year, but Gordon Livermore found his calling within the sport of lacrosse and now the Servite High School senior is one of the top faceoff specialists in Orange County.
Livermore only began playing lacrosse his freshman year, but his background as a wrestler set up an ideal transition to lacrosse’s position of faceoff, one that requires quick reactions, good body positioning and strength.
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Livermore wrapped up his junior year at the position by being named an All-Trinity League first team player. He spent last summer competing in tournaments from California to the East Coast, going head-to-head with some of the top lacrosse faceoff specialists in the nation, with great results. His success at the position has been invaluable to the Friars.
“I have watched Gordon flourish in this sport due to his passion for competition and his ability to lead by example,” says Servite’s head lacrosse coach Tom O’Leary. “He is a true student of the game and an exceptional leader and role model on and off the field. I am very proud to have a player such as Gordon hold this responsibility for us, as his ability to adapt and overcome opponents is remarkable.”
As a varsity student athlete in both lacrosse and wrestling, Livermore sees plenty of similarities between the two sports and recognizes how each prepares him for the other.
“Wrestling has helped me prepare mentally for lacrosse,” says Livermore. “Lacrosse as a sport itself is definitely a warrior sport. It’s not for the light-hearted. It’s for people who want to compete. It’s for people who want to strive and win.”
When he’s not competing on the mat or on the field, Livermore turns to a completely different activity—music.
An accomplished pianist, the 18-year-old resident of Orange has been playing the instrument since he was 4 years old. With extensive training and background in both classical and pop, including writing his own pieces, Livermore has stretched himself musically by becoming the lead pianist in Servite’s jazz ensemble, a group that competes nationally.
“It’s definitely an outlet for me to express my creativity,” Livermore says.
With plans to study electrical engineering, Livermore will be heading to the United States Naval Academy next fall, where he intends to walk on in the sports of wrestling and lacrosse, as well as gain unique training in both academics and leadership.
“I’m a patriot. I love America,” says Livermore. “I’ve always wanted to serve my country and give back in any way possible.”