Remembering Liam Gleason: A Coach, Father, and Beloved Leader
The lacrosse community and Siena University are mourning the devastating loss of men’s lacrosse coach Liam Gleason, who passed away at the age of 41 after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a fall at his home. Gleason, a towering figure both physically and in spirit, leaves behind not just a successful coaching career but a legacy of kindness, leadership, and devotion to his family and team. His unexpected passing has created a void that extends far beyond the lacrosse field, touching everyone who had the privilege of knowing this remarkable man who stood as tall in character as he did in his 6’5″ frame.
Gleason’s coaching career at Siena reached its pinnacle during the 2025 season when he led the Saints to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship and secured a berth in the NCAA Tournament. His excellence was formally recognized when he was named Coach of the Year in both the MAAC and the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Under his guidance, Siena achieved an impressive 11-5 overall record and earned its first national ranking in 14 years—accomplishments that speak to Gleason’s exceptional ability to inspire and develop young athletes. The New York native, who played college lacrosse at the University of Albany, had been at the helm of Siena’s program for seven successful seasons, building not just a competitive team but a family of players who respected and admired their coach.
The impact of Gleason’s presence extended far beyond his professional achievements. Siena University President Chuck Seifert captured the community’s sentiment in his statement: “A sudden, senseless loss carries a kind of pain that defies understanding. It’s hard to imagine anyone more universally loved and admired than Liam. Our community was blessed by Coach Gleason’s life.” These words reflect how Gleason touched lives not just as a coach but as a human being who brought warmth, compassion, and genuine care to every interaction. His approach to coaching transcended strategy and skill development—he focused on building character, fostering resilience, and creating bonds that would last far beyond graduation.
The outpouring of support for Gleason’s family reveals the profound impact he had on countless lives. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his wife Jaclyn and their three young children—Kennedy, Penn, and Tate—who now face the unimaginable task of navigating life without their devoted husband and father. The fundraiser description poignantly captures the essence of who Gleason was: “Anyone who knows him knows what a light he is in this world. Liam is the best father, husband, brother, son, brother-in-law, uncle, coach, and friend. His heart is as big as his 6’5 frame, and the love he gives to those around him is immeasurable.” These words paint a picture not just of a successful coach but of a man who prioritized relationships, family, and authentic connection in every aspect of his life.
In the world of collegiate athletics, where pressure and competition often dominate, Gleason stood out for his ability to balance competitive excellence with genuine compassion. Players and colleagues alike respected him not just for his lacrosse acumen but for his integrity, his ability to listen, and his unwavering support both on and off the field. He understood that developing young athletes meant attending to their personal growth as much as their athletic skills. His coaching philosophy embodied the best of what college sports can be—a vehicle for teaching life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and character. The Saints’ success under his leadership was a natural extension of the culture he cultivated, one where mutual respect and dedication to improvement created the foundation for achievement.
As the Siena community prepares to gather for Gleason’s funeral on campus this Saturday, they will celebrate not just his professional accomplishments but the immeasurable ways he enhanced the lives of those around him. His legacy will continue through the players he mentored, the program he built, and most importantly, through his family who embodied the center of his world. While the lacrosse community has lost an exceptional coach and leader far too soon, the lessons Gleason imparted—about resilience, kindness, and living with purpose—will continue to resonate. In a world that often celebrates fleeting achievements, Liam Gleason leaves behind something far more meaningful: a testament to how one person, through genuine care and commitment to others, can create ripples of positive impact that extend far beyond their years.
