As you walk into room 110, it is hard to miss the strong imagery in the left corner of the room. Pictures and books of historical icons fill the area that could so easily be a bland corner of the room.

It’s also not hard to notice the personal pieces of trophies and banners from past state championship wins. While these are immense achievements, they serve as a reminder of the standard that each of his teams are held to. The lessons he’s learned from coaching have only made him a better leader as a teacher.

Not only is he a one-of-a-kind government teacher, but he is also a proven and determined leader, as he has been recognized as one of the top lacrosse coaches in the state. Gordon Galloway beats the teacher/coach stereotype.

From Mountain Lakes to NC

Born and raised in Mountain Lakes, N.J., which has a population of roughly 4,500 people, Galloway had the dream of becoming a coach since fifth grade, with the ultimate goal to become a Division III lacrosse coach. 

After high school, Galloway decided to continue his academic and athletic endeavors at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. Galloway committed to play both football and lacrosse there at the D3 level, but his football career was short-lived, lasting about two weeks.

After graduating, Galloway fulfilled that goal of becoming a D3 lacrosse coach as he coached at Susquehanna University in Pa. At the same time, Galloway also came to the realization that his calling was in the classroom to teach and still coach.

Galloway attributes this to those who came before him. 

“The short answer to my why is to give back what was so freely given to me by the outstanding teachers and coaches that I had,” Galloway said.

Anyone who has taken his class or been coached by him knows that he takes this to heart. Galloway gives 100 percent in every facet of his job, sometimes by just having a smile on his face. 

While he may not have a smile on his face at all times on the lacrosse field, it does not mean that he doesn’t care or isn’t having fun: he just wants what’s best for the team. 

Selflessness is a defining factor of Galloway’s demeanor. He doesn’t teach or coach because he has to, he does it for the same reason that got him into teaching and coaching. 

“I do it for the kids in the program, I do it for the kids that do it for me, I consider all of this the same boat,” Galloway said.

Being a Part of the Boat

“The Boat” is something that holds importance to Galloway. Every year, Galloway assigns his lacrosse team a book that they will read and then take a short test on. Every four years, Galloway chooses The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown for his team to read. He hopes that his players will take away lessons from the book and apply them to their lives. 

In the book, the “boat” signifies trust and a team that is greater than any single part of it. This matters to players as they recognize that if one person isn’t all in for the team then it will be very hard for them to find success. Not just the 10 on the field, but everyone on the team must play their role.

One of Galloway’s goals is to shape the players on his team to become great young men. 

“Coach Galloway has been a very influential figure throughout most of my lacrosse career, he’s a coach that’s helped form me into the person I am today on and off the field,” said junior Benji Suh.

Galloway hopes that his players will learn to take pride in what they have without forming an ego around themselves.

Galloway said, “There’s an incredible amount of pride in that little small town,” when referring to his hometown Mountain Lakes. The pride that Galloway has is unmatched as he approaches every class period, practice or game with the most confidence and enigma. 

For anyone who has crossed paths with Galloway, it is not hard to see that Galloway takes pride in all that he does. At first glance, Galloway’s loudness and presence strike you, but for anyone who knows him, those traits are what make him stand out as the man he is. Because of this, he may seem mean and scary, but as you get to know him, that stereotype will fade and you will see the caring and compassion that Galloway shows to everyone.

Galloway’s passion never goes unnoticed and is something that can and has shaped the Gibbons community.