gibbons2LaxLessons.com and Epoch Lacrosse have teamed up for a new feature at LaxLessons.com in which lacrosse standouts share their epic high school memories.

A two-time All-American for New York State’s current reigning Class B champion Garden City, Dean Gibbons managed to more than equal his lofty accomplishments at the Division I level.

Gibbons, an attackman was named Nassau County player of the year in 2007, was a four-year starter at Harvard University, capped by his senior year in 2011, when he was a unanimous first-team All-Ivy League selection and team captain.

The 6-foot, 175-pound Gibbons, who compiled 59 points his senior season with the Crimson, finished his collegiate career with with 155 points (ninth-best in school history) and 11th all-time in assists with 63.

After setting the Long Island single-season goal-scoring record with 101 goals his senior year at GC, Gibbons finished second in scoring and first in assists his freshman year at Harvard in 2008. In the summer of 2008, he had 14 goals and six assists to lead Team USA to the championship of the Under-19 International Lacrosse Federation World Championship.

He now works as an analyst for JPMorgan Chase.epic

What makes your high school varsity career so memorable and meaningful?
There are too many things to list but looking back on it, there are a few that stand out. First, I was able to play one season with my older brother, Girard. He was a senior when I was a sophomore.

Patrick, my oldest brother, and Girard basically taught me everything, so it was great to play with one of them for once rather than against each other in the backyard.

Second, I was able to develop great relationships with my coaching staff.  They were an excellent support system and have turned into great friends since high school.

Lastly, I grew up playing with my teammates and played on summer teams with kids from every town on Long Island. It was always a special feeling for me to compete and see a friendly face after the game, regardless of the outcome.

gibbonsIf you had to pick one most memorable moment or game from high school what would it be and why?
I think the most memorable games for me were the three Woodstick Classics I played in.

Garden City and Manhasset have played annually since the 1930s so the games are extremely intense.

Fortunately, we won all three and although I didn’t play as well as I would have liked, it was great to see the whole town take pride in the victories.

Do you remember who your first varsity game was against, what grade you were in and what happened in the game?
I was a sophomore when I had my first game. It was against Lynbrook. (Garden City won 8-2 on March 18, 2005.) I played pretty well for how nervous I was.

I had four goals which was a nice start to the season. Lynbrook had this pretty impressive zone defense. If memory serves me correctly, I believe it was called “Beast.” It was pretty intimidating and they were not hesitant to scream “Beast” the whole game. (Keep in mind, I was a sophomore.) But thanks to Garden City’s masterful coaching staff, we were able to easily defuse their gimmicks. Sorry, Owls.

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About Epoch Lacrosse (@epochlax): Epoch Lacrosse delivers the finest manufactured lacrosse equipment designed to increase playability and maximize performance by using world class materials and techniques. Developed in collaboration with True Temper Sports, Epoch shafts are made from the highest grade materials available. They have tested and retested each design to ensure durability, playability and performance are optimized. Their goal is simple; to give the player every opportunity to reach their true potential. Live. Play. Be.

‘Epic Moments’ archives

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Posted In: Epic Moments, Long Island lacrosse, Section 8

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2 Responses to “Epic Moments: Dean Gibbons, former Garden City (NY) and Harvard University standout”

  1. Trojan Horse says:

    This brings back some fond memories. Good to hear you’re doing so well, Dean, one of the all time greats not only in GC history but LI history.

  2. LI Guy says:

    Lovin these stories! Keep em coming!

Leave a Reply to LI Guy