Loughborough University have paid tribute to “great person and friend” Andrew Gibson after the women’s hockey programme coach sadly passed away earlier this week.
Loughborough called off matches on Saturday he would have been involved in as a mark of respect following the news that Gibson, a women’s assistant coach and 2s head coach, tragically died in a car accident on Tuesday.
‘Gibbo’ was due to oversee the Vitality Women’s Premier Division match against Wimbledon, as well as a match against Oxford University.
“It is with the greatest sadness, to share the news that ‘Gibbo’ passed away on Tuesday afternoon,” Loughborough Students said in a statement on Saturday.
“He was not only our coach but a great person and friend who will be very sorely missed.”
“For the many who knew him not hearing his infectious laugh, seeing his real passion for making people better or just feeling his energy and warmth will take some time to come to terms with.”
He joined the women’s programme at the start of the 2018/19 season, supporting head coach Brett Holland, and has worked with junior international teams at both England Hockey and Hockey Wales.
There was an outpouring of tributes from fellow coaches and players after Loughborough posted the news on social media.
“Absolutely devastated,” wrote Lucy Walton. “Gibbo was a legend! A fantastic coach, a fantastic person, and he had a fantastic attitude to life.”
Nick Davey said: “The sheer number of conversations with coaches and players this week demonstrate just how much love we all have for him.”
