Siena College is mourning the sudden death of head lacrosse coach Liam Gleason, who died this week after suffering a traumatic head injury in a fall at his home. He was 41.
The shocking accident has left the college community reeling. Gleason, who guided the Siena Saints to one of their best seasons in school history earlier this year, was described as “universally loved” by players, colleagues, and fans alike.
“Liam wasn’t just a coach — he was family to all of us,” said Siena University President Chuck Seifert in a statement. “A sudden, senseless loss carries a kind of pain that defies understanding. It’s hard to imagine anyone more admired or beloved than Liam. Our community was blessed by his life.”
Born and raised in upstate New York, Gleason’s journey in lacrosse began as a standout player at the University at Albany before turning to coaching. He spent seven seasons leading the Saints, transforming the program into a national contender.
In 2025, Siena reached the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship and earned a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament — their first in over a decade. The Saints finished 11-5 and were nationally ranked for the first time in 14 years. Gleason’s leadership that season earned him the dual honor of MAAC and Eastern College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
“Coach G always believed in us,” senior midfielder Jake Donnelly told The Albany Times Union. “He taught us to fight for every second on and off the field. Losing him feels unreal.”
Standing 6-foot-5, Gleason was known for his commanding presence on the sidelines — but friends say it was his warmth and compassion that truly defined him.
A GoFundMe organized by friends and family described him as “a light in this world.” The page reads: “Liam’s heart is as big as his frame. He’s the best father, husband, brother, and coach you could ever hope to meet.”
The fundraiser aims to support Gleason’s wife, Jaclyn, and their three children — Kennedy, Penn, and Tate — as they face “a long road of emotional and financial challenges.”
Since news of his passing, tributes have flooded social media from athletes and coaches across the country. The University at Albany’s lacrosse program posted, “We lost one of the greats today — a man whose impact on our sport and our community will never be forgotten.”
Funeral services for Gleason will be held Saturday on Siena’s campus, where hundreds of players, students, and alumni are expected to gather in his honor.
“He built something here that will never fade,” said assistant coach Mike Carver. “His legacy isn’t just wins — it’s the people he shaped.”
Siena has not yet announced plans for a memorial scholarship or tribute, but officials say discussions are underway to honor the late coach’s contributions to the college and the sport he loved.
Source: Fox News, The Associated Press, The Albany Times Union.
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