Siena University is mourning the loss of men’s lacrosse coach Liam Gleason, who died at the age of 41 after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a fall at his home. Gleason had just celebrated his 41st birthday on November 28, two days before the accident.
The beloved coach served as Siena’s men’s lacrosse head coach for seven seasons and had a celebrated career in the sport, including a previous stint as an assistant coach at Siena from 2008 to 2010 and coaching experience at rival University at Albany. In May, Gleason led the Saints to their first MAAC championship in 14 years, earning him both ECAC and MAAC Coach of the Year honors earlier this year.
In the moments before his passing, Siena’s athletic community honored Gleason with a heartfelt “Hero Walk” at the hospital, lining the hallways as he prepared for surgery to donate some of his organs. The Associated Press reported that the tribute reflected the profound impact he had on the university and its athletes.
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Siena University President Chuck Seifert expressed the community’s grief, saying, “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.”
Gleason, the tenth men’s lacrosse coach in Siena’s history, returned to lead the program in June 2018 and quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s success. Under his guidance, the Saints captured their fourth MAAC Tournament Championship, solidifying his legacy as one of the program’s most influential figures.
A GoFundMe in support of the Gleason family described him as “a light in this world,” adding, “His heart is as big as his 6’5 frame, and the love he gives to those around him is immeasurable.”
Coach Gleason is survived by his wife of 12 years, Jaclyn, their three children—daughter Kennedy and sons Penn and Tate—his parents, Kevin and Susan, his brother Brendan, and their extended families. Memorial services will be held on December 6 on Siena’s campus.
