Posthumously

Honoring Gordon James Corsetti: A Legacy of Lacrosse and Mental Health Advocacy

Who would have thought that not more than two years ago, I would be writing a blog posthumously about my son, Gordon James Corsetti?

It is with a mixture of immense pride and deep sorrow that I share the news of Gordon’s posthumous induction into the 2025 Georgia Lacrosse Hall of Fame—an honor that stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the game of lacrosse and his extraordinary impact on the lives of so many.

A Life Devoted to Lacrosse

From an early age, Gordon's love for lacrosse was undeniable. He excelled not only as a player and coach but also as a visionary in officiating education. His work with USA Lacrosse revolutionized the way officiating was taught, producing educational content that became a cornerstone of training programs worldwide. Remarkably, he started this journey as a teenager, creating resources that reflected his deep understanding of the game and his commitment to its growth.

Gordon’s contributions to lacrosse were not just about the technical aspects of the game. He saw the sport as a community, a family, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that every player, coach, and official had the tools they needed to succeed. His passion, intellect, and ability to teach were unparalleled, and his impact on the sport will be felt for generations.

A Champion for Mental Health

Beyond lacrosse, Gordon was an unwavering advocate for mental health awareness—a role that required immense courage and vulnerability. Having battled depression from a young age, he chose to confront his struggles openly, using his experiences to help others. Through his Mental Agility platform, he provided insights and strategies for managing mental health, always emphasizing that “no feeling is final.”

His advocacy extended beyond words; he took action. One of his most significant accomplishments was helping Ohio pass a law requiring all high school coaches to complete a Mental Health Curriculum, ensuring that future athletes would be better supported both on and off the field. His work broke down stigma, sparked critical conversations, and offered hope to those suffering in silence.

A Lasting Legacy

Gordon’s story is one of strength, compassion, and resilience. Though he left us far too soon when he died by suicide on December 2, 2022, his impact lives on in the countless lives he touched. His legacy is not only written in the rulebooks of lacrosse officiating but also in the hearts of those who found solace and understanding in his advocacy.

As we celebrate his induction into the Georgia Lacrosse Hall of Fame, we are reminded that his influence extends far beyond the game. His dedication to excellence, education, and empathy is something we should all strive to emulate.

Gordon, your presence is deeply missed, but your legacy will never fade. You have left an indelible mark on the world, and we are forever grateful for the light you shared with us.

Rest easy, my son. Your work lives on.

---

Special congratulations to the 2025 Georgia Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame

Lydia Cassada, Frank Daniels, Maddie Fink, Drew Jackson, Janna Kaufman, Fielding Kidd, Rick Lewis Jr., Koe Losurdo, Arden Pennigton, Sarah Serbinski and Brian Wallace

---

Please consider donating to the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation to help us keep Gordon’s legacy alive.

Mental Agility Donation

A New Season

Kicking Off Lacrosse Season with Goals, Memories, and Good Sportsmanship

As the lacrosse season kicks off on Monday, January 27, I’m reminded that each year brings a fresh opportunity to set goals and chart a path for the first two weeks of the season. This is my time to gather my team and prepare not just for the X’s and O’s but for the journey ahead, both on and off the field.

It’s also a time of year when I fondly remember the hours I spent with my son Gordon, a prolific lacrosse official, discussing the rules, the nuances, and the many quirks of this incredible game. While we enjoyed many different activities together, lacrosse was always the glue—a topic that bonded us, inspired us, and fueled endless conversations.

Now, while I still "talk" to Gordon multiple times a day, the responses I get are...well, let’s just say they’re quieter than I’d prefer. Sometimes, I feel like I’m tossing my thoughts into the abyss. But every so often, I’ll spot something in nature or receive a subtle sign that reminds me Gordon is still right here, keeping an eye on me from the best seat in the house.

Looking back, I’m filled with pride thinking about the foundation we built—quite literally—with Atlanta Youth Lacrosse. For 27 years, Mary Jo, our kids Caitlin and Gordon, and their friends pitched in to create one of the top youth programs in the country. From building benches, shooting cages, and even a Scorers Tower (still standing strong!) to lining fields, setting up goals, coaching, officiating, and keeping scores, we worked to ensure every kid and their family fell in love with lacrosse. It was always about more than the game—it was about creating an unforgettable experience.

Now, as we launch into another season, youth and high school players are sharpening their skills, conditioning, and preparing for what’s ahead. No matter how the season ends—whether your team wins it all or takes a few more losses than planned—the real victory is in the experience. It’s about the memories made with teammates, the encouragement from coaches, and hopefully, the love for the game that keeps kids coming back year after year.

A Friendly Reminder from a Longtime Coach:

Cheer for your team. Celebrate their efforts. And for the love of lacrosse, leave the officials alone. They’re human (yes, even the youth officials), and they deserve respect.

As many of you know, Gordon was a passionate advocate for mental health and a dedicated educator of officials around the world. His legacy reminds us that officials are crucial to the game—and they’re doing their best. So, next time you’re tempted to "offer feedback" from the sidelines, take a breath, focus on the joy of watching your player, and remember that your positive energy makes a bigger difference than you realize.

Here’s to a great season ahead—on the field, in the stands, and in our hearts.

Here is a great video of all the things kids built at our fields - STAR VIDEO

Caitlin (Nick - Caitlin’s husband and a Soccer Coach and soon to be Lacrosse Coach), Mary Jo and Coach Lou

If you would like to Donate to the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation please click here

Mental Agility Donation

A Year in Review

A Year in Review

First and foremost we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Holiday season with your families. We hope you stay safe and hope to see as many of you as possible during the year.

A Family’s Anguish: Losing a Child and a Brother
By Lou and Mary Jo Corsetti & Gordon's Sister, Caitlin

There are no words strong enough, no language tender enough to truly convey the pain of losing a child or a brother. It is a loss that leaves you breathless and broken, forever reshaping the path you walk. For us—Lou, Mary Jo, and Caitlin—Gordon was not just a son and brother; he was our light, our laughter, and a source of joy that made life whole. Losing him felt like losing the very heart of our family.

In this journey of grief, putting these words together feels deeply personal, yet deeply necessary. Writing helps us process our thoughts and emotions, and sometimes we do so as a family—my bride Mary Jo, our daughter Caitlin, and myself. It is a small catharsis for us, a way to honor Gordon’s life and the impact he had on everyone around him.

We don’t share this for sympathy or to place any burden on those who care for us. Instead, we want to express how much your presence and kindness mean to us. Whether it’s a simple text, an email, a phone call, or a social media post, every small act of support becomes a point of light that helps guide us through the darkness. These moments—your love and care—mean more than we can ever say. You remain part of our family, and we are so grateful to have you in our lives as we continue to honor Gordon’s legacy.

The anguish of losing Gordon is a weight we carry every day, one that will never truly lift. It’s the silence where his laughter used to be, the empty chair at our table, the memories that bring both joy and tears. Yet through it all, we are learning to carry his love forward. Grief does not diminish love; it amplifies it. It reminds us how deeply someone mattered, how profoundly they were loved, and how their spirit remains with us even now.

Caitlin feels this loss in her own profound way as Gordon’s sister. “Gordon was my big brother—my protector, my friend, my confidant. His absence is so much more than moments missed; it’s part of the world that no longer feels whole. I see him in songs we shared, in childhood memories, and in the quiet moments when I wish I could turn to him for advice or a laugh. I will always carry him with me.”

As a family, we are committed to honoring Gordon’s memory through action, love, and connection. We share his story because his life mattered, because his struggles can shine a light for others who feel alone, and because we want to help those who might be walking a similar road.

To those of you who continue to hold us close, please know how much you mean to us. Your support reminds us that we are not walking this journey alone. Through your kindness, you help us keep Gordon’s memory alive, and for that, we are forever grateful.

For every family who knows this pain, for every parent, sibling, or friend who has experienced this kind of loss, we want you to know that you are not alone. Grief is a path we did not choose, but we walk it with love in our hearts. Gordon is with us always—his light guiding us, his memory lifting us, and his love reminding us to keep moving forward.

In loving memory of Gordon Corsetti—our son, Caitlin’s brother, our forever light. Thank you for being part of our lives and for helping us keep his light shining.

Here are some posts from this year as I do my best to keep Gordon's website meaningful and relevant. I encourage you to take a moment to read some of Gordon's posts—they are truly incredible and filled with wisdom. His words may resonate with you or perhaps help someone you know who needs a little support.

In the immortal words of Gordon: "It's OK, not to be OK."

=========================================================================

In 2024, the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation continued its mission to provide resources and support for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The foundation's blog featured several poignant articles that highlighted personal stories, community engagements, and the importance of support networks.

A Little Piece of Joy

In November, Lou Corsetti shared a heartfelt reflection on finding moments of joy amidst grief. He recounted how Nick Luisi ran the New York City Marathon in honor of the foundation, embodying the spirit of "No Let Up" and "Take Care of Your Crew." This act served as a reminder of the enduring impact of community support in the journey toward mental wellness.

Mentally Agile

Stepping Up with Sigma Chi

October saw Lou Corsetti speaking to over 200 fraternity brothers at the University of Georgia. The engagement emphasized the significance of mutual support concerning mental health. The fraternity's initiative, "The Fight Against Suicide," successfully raised over $200,000, demonstrating the power of collective action in combating mental health challenges.

Mentally Agile

That's What Friends Are For!

In June, Lou reflected on the unwavering support of his lifelong friends, particularly during challenging times. He emphasized the importance of maintaining connections and the simple yet profound act of reaching out to loved ones, encapsulated in the advice: "Make the call."

Mentally Agile

Ron and Gordon

May's entry delved into the deep bonds of friendship and mentorship. Lou reminisced about his friend, Ron Mallonee, and the lasting impact of his son, Gordon. The narrative underscored the significance of preserving legacies and the continuous effort to keep loved ones' memories alive through storytelling and shared experiences.

Mentally Agile

All About the Hug!

In April, the blog highlighted the profound impact of simple gestures, such as a hug, in providing comfort and connection. The article explored how physical expressions of support can play a crucial role in mental health, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

Mentally Agile

Throughout 2024, the foundation's blog served as a platform for sharing personal narratives and community initiatives, reinforcing the importance of connection, support, and proactive engagement in mental health advocacy. These stories not only honored the memories of those lost but also inspired ongoing efforts to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

For more insights and resources, visit the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation's blog.

Mentally Agile

Read More

If you would like to Donate to the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation please click here

Mental Agility Donation

A little piece of Joy

A Little Piece of Joy

Some days, the weight of grief feels almost too heavy to bear, and it’s hard to imagine how I’ll make it through. And yet, I hold onto small moments of joy—like my morning walks with Izzy and Blanche. In those quiet moments, I feel Gordon’s presence so vividly, as if he’s right there with me, walking beside me in the stillness of the morning.

Last weekend, I experienced another piece of joy. My dear college friend, Tony Luisi—our good old number 66—watched with pride as his son, Nick, ran the New York City Marathon. Nick dedicated his run to Gordon’s Mental Agility Foundation, “Take Care of Your Crew,” and to Tony’s own foundation, “No Let Up.”

To truly grasp the spirit of "No Let Up," you need to know the Luisi family. In 1978, Tony and I were part of the first team recruited to play football at Marist College as a newly established Division III program. We lacked the luxuries you see in today’s athletic programs, but what we did have was loyalty, grit, and friendship that would last a lifetime. Ralph and Millie Luisi, Tony’s parents, never missed a game, home or away. Mr. Luisi would pace the sidelines, rallying us with his unforgettable call: “No Let Up.” Over the years, Tony took his father’s mantra and turned it into a foundation, raising awareness for causes that serve New York’s communities.

That indomitable spirit is woven into the Luisi family legacy and continues to inspire everyone they touch. Seeing Nick run in honor of Gordon was a beautiful reminder of that legacy. Nick has been part of the NYC Marathon since 2021, when he ran in honor of his dad, Tony, after donating a kidney to him. It’s easy to say we’d do anything for our children, but Nick’s selflessness is something truly remarkable. Their story is a testament to the depth of love, resilience, and generosity that defines the Luisi family.

I call this “A Little Piece of Joy.” Since Gordon’s passing, nearly two years ago this December 2nd, we have been blessed with small but deeply meaningful reminders of his presence. Whether through a thoughtful text, an email, a call, or a social media post, these gestures remind us that Gordon’s light continues to shine through those who remember him. It feels as if God knows exactly when we need these moments, and each one brings a little piece of joy to our lives.

Thank you, Nick, Tony, and the entire Luisi family, for your unwavering love and support. Thank you to everyone who continues to share in Gordon’s memory—you are part of the joy that sustains us.

No Let Up and Take Care of Your Crew—spread a little joy!

Please consider donating to keep Gordon’s legacy alive through the No Let Up Foundation or the Mental Agility Foundation, which supports those in need of resilience and mental wellness.

Donate Here

Stepping up with Sigma Chi

I had the incredible honor of speaking to over 200 fraternity brothers at the University of Georgia on October 6th, and I continue to be amazed by the way young people are stepping up to support each other in regard to mental health.

Gordon had the privilege of speaking with this same group twice, thanks to Cooper Heath and his fraternity, Sigma Chi. They tragically lost one of their brothers, Sam L. Asbury, who died by suicide in 2020. Cooper, who Gordon coached on our first Atlanta Coyotes team, immediately bonded with Gordon as fellow defensemen. Cooper is truly one of the nicest young men you’ll ever meet—someone who always strives to do the right thing. While he still calls me "Coach" instead of "Lou," I’m proud to call him a friend.

When I spoke to the group, I shared two key messages:

1. Gordon’s Story and the profound impact he had on so many lives.

2. The importance of embracing Gordon’s motto: “Take Care of Your Crew.” Gordon believed passionately that we must always take care of each other—whether that’s family, co-workers, officials, coaches, teammates, or fraternity brothers. It’s about creating a community that looks out for one another, no matter the situation.

Being in front of this group of young men gave me hope that they will continue supporting each other through their mental health journeys. I was particularly inspired to see Cooper and his fraternity raise over $200,000 through their annual event, “The Fight Against Suicide.” This incredible event sees fraternity brothers train and step into the boxing ring to "Knockout Suicide," raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

To close my speech, I shared a few quotes with the group—words that I hope they’ll carry with them as they make decisions each day:

• “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” —Charles Schulz (Peanuts Creator)

• “Be smart about being stupid.” —Coach Lou

• “No one ever drowned in sweat.” —Lou Holtz (Famous Football Coach)

• “Do your best, let God do the rest.” —Unknown

• “It’s OK not to be OK.” —Gordon James Corsetti

I left UGA feeling hopeful and proud, knowing that this next generation is committed to breaking the silence around mental health and supporting each other, just as Gordon always encouraged.

Thank you Cooper and Sigma Chi for allowing me to be part of your Crew

That's what Friends are for!

Every year, my brothers from the Marist College aka Shady Acres Class of '82 and I get together for beach time, golf, and some shenanigans. All we do is laugh and make fun of each other, and by the end of the three days, our ribs and jaws hurt from all the love and laughter we share. The stories continue to be embellished, and we always seem to score more points, tackles, or touchdowns as the years pass.

Tom Cooney, our event coordinator; Vince Ambroselli, our DJ; Rick Baretta, our cooler man; Roger Coleman and Jerry McElduff, our wine distributors; John Levy, who only brings his surfboard and dessert; and Tony Luisi and myself, who double as the chefs, make up our group.

These men are all terrific individuals who have made their mark in their communities, whether it is through their church groups, coaching youth programs, fundraising for various events, or just being great husbands and fathers.

All of us would do anything for each other, and they have. Each and every one of these men has helped Mary Jo, Caitlin, and me through the toughest challenge we have ever faced. From a friendly text or call, a heartfelt email, to their generous donations to Gordon’s Mental Agility Foundation, their support has been unwavering.

I am not sure how I would survive without their love and support.

I still have many friends that I talk to and see from high school, work, and my coaching tree. Because I have coached so many kids over the years, my friend network gets bigger and bigger, and for that, I am blessed. It’s a strange dynamic when you go from Coach to Lou when the kids I coached, coached with, or coached against become lifelong friends. Their parents have become friends, and I am very close to many of them in my over 40 years of coaching.

It is so nice to be invited to a wedding or see baby pictures or pictures of their new house.

Several years ago, my good friend and coaching buddy, Paul Wendlant, passed away. His son Christian (who played for me, was the all-time leading scorer at our school, and is now coaching in Colorado) called me a month before he discovered he had cancer. Christian asked if I knew any doctors who could help him get out of the hospital. Mind you, this was during the pandemic, and they did not know what Paul had. We were able to get him transferred to another hospital, and that’s when they discovered his illness.

The ironic part of this tragedy is a week before Christian called, I was driving in my truck and I thought, "I have to call Paul as I had not spoken with him in a while." Well, time passed as I was driving, and something else came up, and I forgot to call. Boy, do I regret that decision.

At Paul’s memorial service, Christian asked me to say a few words and repeated this story. If someone comes into your mind, “Make the call.” I have lived by this since Paul left us, and anytime I think of someone I love and care for, I call them. Everyone reading this blog should do the same: “Make the call.”

It is so important to make the human connection with everyone we come in contact with. Social media helps, texts, phone calls, and in-person interactions are extremely helpful to each and every one of us, especially with the ones we are close to.

Gordon, though challenged with anxiety, panic attacks, and severe depression, tried his best every day to make a difference in people's lives, and that’s why we all continue to keep his memory and legacy alive through his website and foundation.

Love to all of you, and “Take care of your crew” and also “Make the call.”

Please consider a donation to The Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation.

Gordon James Corsetti Foundation

Ron and Gordon

So this is a tough one to write as I have been struggling the last month with the loss of my son, Gordon James Corsetti. Every day is a bit of a slog, but I keep pushing on the best that I can. I have tried very hard to keep Gordon’s legacy alive by posting from time to time on his website, Mentally Agile.

It has been a challenge, but I do my best to express my feelings along with my family's every month.

I first would like to talk about my good friend Ron Mallonee. Ron left us in May of 2004 after a battle with cancer. For those of us who knew Ron, you will know that he lit up a room, and even though he was a lacrosse official, I don’t believe I have ever heard an unkind thing said about him, which is tough to say about an official :)

Ron was larger than life and a tremendous official and teacher of the game, along with being a skilled master carpenter. Ron was instrumental in the growth of lacrosse in Georgia and helped train almost every official in the early stages of our game. You always saw Ron when there was a lacrosse event in Atlanta, with his curly hair and shaggy mustache. He was a joy to be around and always had a smile on his face.

Mary Jo and I contracted Ron to finish our basement when Gordon and Caitlin were youngsters, and a job that should have taken 5-6 weeks took the entire lacrosse season. Like Ron, Mary Jo is a carpenter, and she would come in behind him and do the finishing work, which she loved to do. This would get Ron in a twist as he prided himself on doing perfect molding, and he could not believe how much of an expert MJ was. Now back to the 5-6 week job: you see, Ron marched to a different drummer and did not seem to care how much money he made on a job. So a typical day went like this: Ron would show up around 7 or 7:30 AM and get started. MJ, would make him lunch, and they would talk about wood and tools and things I know nothing about. He would work till around 2 or 3 o’clock and then take a shower, put on his official's uniform, and go out and officiate a lacrosse game. I can’t say he milked the job because it made MJ, happy to talk shop, but I was getting antsy and wanted to get everything complete, not to mention Ron played the soundtrack to "The Music Man" over and over again. There are only so many times you can hear “Ya Got Trouble in River City.”

While all this work was going on, Gordon and Ron developed a strong friendship, and Ron became one of Gordon’s first mentors in the lacrosse world. Ron had the patience of a saint, and he took Gordon under his wing and told him all about officiating, which helped him as he started his youth officiating career at 13. Mind you, Gordon would tell you that he had no clue what he was doing, and he wrote about it in his book "Advancement Rules: Improving Your Lacrosse Officiating.” It still amazes me that Gordon wrote a book before he turned 20, but as our daughter Caitlin would say, that’s “our little nerd.”

A year after Ron passed away, I was bestowed the honor of inducting him into the inaugural class of the 2005 Georgia Lacrosse Hall of Fame. His parents Ben and Laura, and his girlfriend Teresa Farmer, asked me to give his induction speech, which to this day is one of my greatest honors.

The Georgia Lacrosse Officials Association (GLOA), https://galaxref.com, is one of the blueprints on how to run a local officials association. I have known many of these men for over 25 years, and Ron’s silhouette is in the upper right-hand corner of their website. Incidentally, Gordon, our “little nerd,” designed the website that is still used today.

Two weeks ago, they asked me to attend their season-ending banquet where they give out awards for most games officiated, most improved official, etc. Last year, they gave out the Gordon James Corsetti Award to an official who exemplified Gordon’s character and professionalism. So I thought I was giving that award out to someone.

Unbeknownst to me, they were awarding Gordon the “Ron Mallonee Official of the Year Award”. Clyde Allen, last year's winner, presented me with the award, and the plaque is adorned with the past recipients, all of whom are great friends with Gordon: 2017 Jeremy Redmon, 2018 Herb Phillips, 2019 Mike Collver, 2020 Rona, 2021 Stuart Smith, and 2022 Greg Hite.

This was a tremendous honor, as I now have the plaque, and I will be presenting it to next year’s recipient. This award is kind of like the Stanley Cup, which stays with the winning team for a year, and I will cherish this award each and every day until next year.

If you attended Gordon’s memorial service, I mentioned in my remarks that I will do my best not to mention Gordon in the past tense. This helps me every day, as he is alive and well in my heart. While I pray every day for Gordon to watch over everyone in his life, our love for him is endless.

So, Ron and Gordon’s lives, entangled on Earth as adult to child, teacher to student, peer to peer, and friend to friend, now continue as Gordon will forever be part of Ron with this wonderful honor.

Gordon loved and admired Ron so much, and I know they are both smiling on us, blowing their whistles, throwing the perfect flag, and maybe humming tunes from “The Music Man.”

Please consider a donation to The Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation.

Gordon James Corsetti Foundation

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know feels hopeless or like they have no reason to live, call, text, or chat 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

In an emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911.

Is this conversation helpful so far?

All about the Hug!→

For those of you who know my son Gordon, he is a tremendous hugger. Now, Gordon did not go around hugging everyone he saw, if that's what you think. Gordon was a very reserved person in my view, but when he hugged you, he meant it. The hug is what prompted me to write this post this morning.

On March 15th and 16th, 2004, we had a Lacrosse Tournament for Gordon’s Mental Agility Foundation where people from all over the country came in to honor Gordon’s legacy and help raise money for mental health. There are so many people to thank, which I will get to in a moment.

First, I would like to thank the players, coaches, parents, fans, and officials from all the teams that participated: Christian Brothers (Memphis), McCallie (Chattanooga), Mountain Brook (Birmingham), Charlotte Catholic (Charlotte), and all of our local teams, Pace (Gordon’s alma mater), Pope, Lovett, Blessed Trinity, Oconee, Cambridge, and the Girls and Boys Teams from Fellowship Christian School. The competition was fierce, and everyone really enjoyed the message of "Take Care Of Your Crew."

Hugs were given in the stands, on the sidelines, and at midfield with our honorary coin flippers at the start of each game and at the banquet we had at our clubhouse when the last game was finished—for people that we as a family have not seen since we lost Gordon.

Mary Jo wore Gordon’s officials jersey, and we hung his college officials jersey on the sidelines at the scorers table. Two of our high school buddies, Vinny Pariso and Bob “Woody” Kerzner, made the trek from Long Island (West Babylon Eagles). We were graced with my great friend Frank Cecere, “Team Eight,” where we all played high school football. Dennis Gaddy, a great basketball player from high school attended and now lives in Atlanta. Mary Jo and Dennis were good friends growing up, and it was so nice to see him.

Kevin Forrester, Charlie Obermayer—Gordon’s mentors in the officiating world—came in from Baltimore along with my manager Steve Kirr, who is also a very close and dear friend. Kevin, Charlie, and Steve have been rock-solid during our time of need, and the prayers, support, and LOVE they have shown us are immeasurable.

Don Stoppenbach, my friend for over 25 years, ran the show from the press box (along with Scott Ferraro). Don also wrangled people from the US Lacrosse Youth Council, which I was part of for ten years. Trust me when I tell you that I could write a book about the Youth Council that would fill volumes of pages with our shenanigans (mostly all started by Don, I might add). The Youth Council, before US Lacrosse had over 90 employees, was the backbone of our sport helping grow the game across the country. These people are giants and terrific ambassadors of the game. Patty Brooks (Dallas), Mellisa D’Angelo (Long Island), Abby Burbank (Vermont), Tucker White (Florida via Baltimore), Noel Ebner (Upstate New York), Joanna Thomashefski (Michigan), and Maria Badalamenti (Atlanta - honorary Youth Council member).

Seeing the smiles on their faces over the weekend was tremendous and it brought back some wonderful memories.

The event was supported by all of my players and their parents (ticket sales, concessions, parking, cleanup). Special thanks to our Head of School Dr. Kathryn Teston, Athletic Director David Lowery, Assistant AD Andy Trevers, Maureen Boomhouwer, Cheryl Wade, Tori Mauldin, Rebecca Hurd, and all of our vendors the Bearor Family, Haynes Family, Elphick Family for setting up shop in our vendor village and running the silent auction. We don’t have the final tally yet, but between ticket sales, officials' fees, auction items, and donations I believe we raised close to twenty thousand dollars.

So, back to the hug!

Mary Jo and I have seen literally thousands of kids and their families, having run Atlanta Youth Lacrosse for twenty-seven years. Caitlin and Gordon were around the sport and it’s where they learned a great deal about work ethic and how to do things on their own. Mary Jo, who is a carpenter (her name is derived from Mary and Joseph), had our players (STARS - Students That Accept Responsibility) build many projects over the years at Murphy Chandler Park and Windsor Parkway. Seeing these young people who played, officiated, coached with us over that time was so awesome and HUGS were given out all day long.

As I mentioned earlier, when you got HUGGED by Gordon, he meant it, and all the HUGS that we received meant so much to us and frankly, it’s what keeps us going each and every day.

You all mean the world to us, and I can’t wait to see you and HUG you!

Coach Lou

Please consider donating to Gordon’s Mental Agility Foundation so we can continue to help people with their mental health. https://everloved.com/life-of/gordon-corsetti

Family & Friends “Take Care of Your Crew"

Today is Gordon’s birthday, and it’s been painful to watch my wife and daughter struggle as this day approached.

My son-in-law, Nicholas, has been incredibly helpful to us all. I understand what he's going through as a husband; guys often try to fix things rather than show their emotions.

Lisa, Gordon's fiancée, is surely experiencing a range of emotions across the ocean in Germany today. We were ecstatic that they were in love and starting their journey together as husband and wife. Despite staying connected with Lisa through notes, FaceTime, social media, and my dad jokes, it breaks my heart when we connect. I know how much they loved each other, and how much she misses Gordon. We'll see her in a couple of weeks, which brings me happiness.

I want to express gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support as we navigate this journey called grief.

Today's reflection is on Friends and Family.

Given my long involvement in the game of Lacrosse, it was natural for my family to be involved too. While MJ initially seemed content being a devoted wife and mother, she wholeheartedly embraced the sport and has been my compass for nearly forty years. She is the glue that holds our family and Lacrosse community together. Over the past 30 years, she has tirelessly lined fields, kept score, managed emails, updated websites, organized rosters and schedules, made travel plans, and undertaken countless other tasks. Caitlin and Gordon followed suit. Even after the kids left for college, Mary Jo and I continued running Atlanta Youth Lacrosse, the oldest youth program in the state.

Caitlin and Gordon gained invaluable knowledge by assisting, shaping them into the adults they are today. Undoubtedly, they inherited some traits—both good and bad—from us. While I admit to being impatient and intense when things are amiss, Mary Jo, a carpenter and a "Solutions Expert," imparted invaluable skills to our children and the families we've connected with.

About twelve years ago, when one of our players passed away, I was distraught. Sobbing, I asked my business partner and friend, Christian Ward, why these tragedies seemed to happen to me repeatedly. In his typical logical manner, Christian pointed out, "Lou, do you realize how many kids and parents you've impacted over the years? It has to be thousands. Of course, these events will affect you more frequently than the average person." I had never considered it from that perspective, nor did I anticipate my son being among those affected.

Since that fateful day on December 2, 2022, our family and friends have lightened our burdens. As a coach for over forty years, I've always carried the emotional weight for my players and their parents, witnessing tears shed by seniors and teammates when a season ends or during tough times.

Gordon was always there for anyone in need, teaching me invaluable lessons on how to "Take Care of Your Crew."

Last Friday night, our high school team faced a formidable opponent. My friend, Mary Ann Boicourt, came out to support us. I mention this because Mary Ann, a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, helped get Lisa back to Germany just weeks after Gordon's passing. Mary Ann escorted Lisa through check-in and arranged for a flight attendant friend to accompany her throughout the journey. I can only imagine what Lisa endured during those nine hours, but I'm certain Mary Ann's presence provided some comfort.

Mary Ann is a seasoned professional who understands the importance of "Taking Care of Your Crew."

After the game, Mary Ann asked if she could address our team. She shared stories about her son, Carter, a three-time All-American for his college team, and how he learned valuable lessons from this "Old Ball Coach," referring to me as his best coach ever. Though I hate to admit it, I cried when I got home while reviewing our game footage. Mary Ann took the time—despite enduring freezing rain and cold—to support our team and speak so kindly about me. Her husband, John, and the rest of her family have given us so much, and we cherish them deeply.

I'm blessed with a great memory, and this act of kindness from Mary Ann will always be one of my fondest memories.

Through this ordeal it has made me connect with many friends and family members like my Nieces Lindsay, Lauren and Kelly. They have been so supportive along with my brothers and sister, high school friends, college friends (Tom, Roger, John, Rick, Tony, Gerry, Dave, Keri & Vinny) and all the parents and players I have coached over the years.

While Gordon is not with us physically the joy, love, leadership and caring for all of us will live on forever.

We will be having the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Tournament (https://mentallyagile.com) at Fellowship Christian School where I coach on March 15th and 16th. This is one of our largest fund raises so please come out an enjoy some lacrosse as some great teams from Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia will compete in Gordons honor. People and great friends from around the country will be attending to help support Gordon and his foundation. We will be having a silent auction with two of my great friends Atlanta Artists Dawne Raulet and Christiane Palpant who will be auctioning off a piece of their artwork.

http://www.dawneraulet.com

https://palpantart.com/christiane-palpant

So Happy Birthday my son I LOVE YOU and we will do our best to “Take Care Of Your Crew”.

You will notice that the picture in todays post shows Gordon’s “Take Care of Your Crew” bracelet and my FCA Coaches Bible which I read everyday to impart some wisdom on my team.

Please consider donating to Gordon’s Mental Agility Foundation so we can continue to help people with their mental health. https://everloved.com/life-of/gordon-corsetti