The New York state lacrosse community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of men’s lacrosse coach Liam Gleason, who died on December 3rd after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a fall at his home near Albany, New York. He was 41.

With Gleason at the helm, Siena reached new heights, winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship and earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament during the 2025 season. The Saints finished 11-5, earned their first national ranking in 14 years, and Gleason was named Coach of the Year in both the MAAC and the Eastern College Athletic Conference. But for those who knew him, his greatest victories were off the field.

“A sudden, senseless loss carries a kind of pain that defies understanding,” Siena University President Chuck Seifert said in a statement. “It’s hard to imagine anyone more universally loved and admired than Liam. Our community was blessed by Coach Gleason’s life.”

Hundreds gathered on December 6th at Siena’s Loudonville campus for a moving memorial service that celebrated the man behind the whistle — a devoted husband, father, mentor, and friend. His players, wearing T-shirts that read “Liam Strong,” placed a floral tribute at the altar in his honor.

Among the most emotional moments came from Gleason’s nine-year-old daughter, Kennedy, who bravely stood before the crowd to remember her dad. “I just want to say, I love my dad so much,” she said. “One of my goals this year is to be one of the best lacrosse players and get a scholarship for lacrosse.” Her words brought both tears and smiles to the audience, including her mother, Jaclyn, and brothers, Penn and Tate.

Originally from Long Island, Gleason played college lacrosse at the University at Albany, where he later served as an assistant coach before returning to Siena as head coach in 2018. Albany head coach and longtime friend Scott Marr spoke at the memorial, carrying a lacrosse stick to the podium as a symbol of their shared passion. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in Liam’s life,” Marr said. “For all the love he gave us for 41 years, it’s coming back in spades today with all of you here to celebrate his life.”

In the days following his passing, an outpouring of love has surrounded the Gleason family. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Jaclyn and the children has raised over $500,000, with friends describing Liam as “the best father, husband, brother, son, brother-in-law, uncle, coach, and friend,” adding that “his heart is as big as his 6’5” frame, and the love he gives to those around him is immeasurable.”

As the Siena community continues to grieve, many are honoring Gleason’s legacy by carrying forward the lessons he lived every day — faith, humility, and love for others. His daughter’s vow to play the sport her father cherished serves as a beautiful reminder that while his time on earth was short, the impact of his life and faith will endure for generations.