The Shoreham-Wading River (SWR) Central School District is mourning the loss of Adrian Gilmore, a beloved coach, mentor, and educator, who passed away unexpectedly.
Adrian, who served as the Women’s Lacrosse Coach at SWR, was known for her dedication to both the sport and the students he coached. Her untimely death has left a deep hole in the community, where she had made a lasting impact on the lives of countless young athletes.
Adrian Gilmore was a passionate advocate for lacrosse, but her influence extended far beyond the game itself. Over the years, she built a reputation not only as an excellent coach, but as a mentor who was committed to developing the character of her athletes both on and off the field.
Under her guidance, the Shoreham-Wading River Women’s Lacrosse team flourished, earning numerous accolades and providing young women the opportunity to grow through teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
As a coach, Adrian’s approach was rooted in a philosophy that emphasized not only skill-building but also leadership and personal development. She believed in pushing her athletes to be their best, but always with kindness, patience, and understanding.
Her coaching style was marked by a rare combination of high expectations and deep empathy, qualities that earned her the respect and admiration of both players and parents.
Beyond the victories and championships, Adrian’s greatest legacy was the way she influenced her players’ lives. Many former athletes have shared how her mentorship extended beyond the field, offering guidance during difficult times and always encouraging them to reach for their dreams.
For Adrian, the relationships she built with her athletes were far more important than wins and losses. She was a coach who truly cared about her players as individuals and was always there to support them in their personal and academic pursuits.
Adrian was more than just a coach at SWR—she was a vital part of the school’s athletic community, always involved in various events and initiatives. She commitment to fostering a positive environment for all students was evident in everything she did.
Whether she was helping with practice, offering advice to a player, or supporting her colleagues, Adrian’s enthusiasm and dedication were felt by everyone around her.
Outside of her work at Shoreham-Wading River, Adrian was known for her strong sense of community and involvement in local initiatives. She believed in giving back and was always ready to help in any way she could.
Her sense of humor and lighthearted nature made her a friend to many, and her positive energy was infectious. People who knew her spoke of her warmth and genuine desire to make the world around her better.
Adrian leaves behind a legacy of excellence in coaching, but her most lasting impact will undoubtedly be the values she instilled in her athletes. Her approach to coaching was never about making stars out of individuals but about creating a strong, cohesive team where everyone supported one another and grew together.
She taught her athletes about hard work, perseverance, and kindness—lessons that would carry them through life, far beyond the lacrosse field. Adrian is survived by her loving family, who have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences from the community during this difficult time.
They have shared how deeply Adrian loved coaching and how proud she was of the athletes she worked with. The family has also spoken about her love for her friends and the community, which she considered an extension of her own family.
In honor of Adrian’s memory, a memorial service is being planned, and friends, family, and former athletes will gather to celebrate her life and legacy. Her death has left a tremendous void in the SWR community, but her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched.
Her players, colleagues, and friends will forever remember her as a coach who taught them more than just lacrosse—she taught them about life, leadership, and the power of community.
Adrian Gilmore’s passing is a heartbreaking loss, but the impact she made during her time at Shoreham-Wading River will never be forgotten. Her contributions to the school and to the lives of her players are a testament to her dedication, love, and selflessness. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
