5 Super Athletes With Ties To Livermore

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Livermore area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Marie Annonson (Acrobatic Gymnastics)

Marie Annonson, a retired elite acrobatic gymnast, has made significant contributions to the sport both as an athlete and a coach. Competing internationally, she earned accolades such as a gold medal at the 2002 Winterthur Cup and a U.S. National Championship title. Transitioning to coaching, Annonson led athletes to historic victories, including the first U.S. acrobatic gymnastics gold medals at the World Games and World Championships. She owns the Livermore-based WestCoast Training Center, a premier facility that has trained numerous national team members.

2. Olivia Sekany (Soccer)

Olivia Sekany, a professional soccer player and goalkeeper, has showcased exceptional talent throughout her career. A Livermore native, she developed her skills playing for the Pleasanton Rage before excelling at the University of Washington, where she set a program record for the lowest goals-against average, surpassing a mark previously held by Hope Solo. Sekany currently plays for Brisbane Roar in the A-League Women on loan from Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL.

3. Jack Trudeau (Football)

Jack Trudeau, a former NFL quarterback, enjoyed a 10-season career highlighted by his leadership with the Indianapolis Colts. Born in Minnesota, Trudeau graduated from Granada High School in Livermore before excelling at the University of Illinois, where he set numerous school records and earned All-Big Ten honors. Drafted by the Colts in 1986, he guided the team to its first playoff appearance in Indianapolis and was named the Colts' Offensive MVP in 1989.

4. Nico Lemoine (Soccer)

Nico Lemoine, a professional soccer player and winger, began his journey in Livermore, where he honed his skills with the San Jose Earthquakes academy and later joined the Houston Dynamo academy. Lemoine made his professional debut with Rio Grande Valley FC in 2019, scoring twice in his first season. He advanced to the Houston Dynamo in 2020, appearing in 11 matches that year. Despite challenges, including a loan to Oakland Roots, Lemoine is currently a free agent.

5. Michael Rodrigues (Acrobatic Gymnastics)

Michael Rodrigues, a retired elite acrobatic gymnast, achieved historic milestones in his sport, including becoming one of the first U.S. athletes to win a mixed-pair gold medal at the 2009 World Games. Training at Livermore's West Coast Training Center under coach Marie Annonson, Rodrigues and his partner Kristin Allen also secured gold at the 2010 Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships and U.S. National Championships. Known for his artistry and athleticism, Rodrigues was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2015.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.