Emotional Farewell for Siena Lacrosse Coach Liam Gleason

The final game of Siena lacrosse coach Liam Gleason carried a heavy emotional weight. It was against Albany, his alma mater—where he had not only studied but also spent seven years as an associate coach before taking the helm at Siena in 2018.

On May 7, Gleason led his team in a closely contested match that ended in an 11-9 loss to the Great Danes. Yet, there were moments of warmth, like when he shared a hug with his longtime friend and Albany coach, Scott Marr, before and after the game. It was a poignant day, especially in light of Gleason’s unexpected passing at 41 due to injuries from a domestic accident.

Marr reflected on that game, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to come together, stating, “It was a special moment.” It’s interesting how such memories take on deeper significance, particularly as they become the last shared experiences.

Siena and Albany are just about eight miles apart, but they were central to Gleason’s life. A Long Island native, Gleason graduated from Albany in 2007 after transferring from Adelphi, where he met his wife, Jaclyn, a soccer player during his time in college.

Following his graduation, Gleason joined Albany’s coaching staff, starting as a defensive coordinator for three years. Eventually, he took his first head coaching position at Saint Rose in 2011, and later returned to Albany under Marr. This experience undoubtedly helped him secure the Division I head coaching role at Siena.

Reports indicate that as he was being treated on Wednesday, Gleason was holding both the Siena and Albany flags, symbolizing his deep ties to both programs.

The accident occurred when he fell down the stairs at his home on Sunday afternoon, leading to serious injuries. A group of around 250 people came together for a “walk of honor” at the hospital, underlining the impact he had on so many lives.

Support poured in from Siena’s assistant coach Tim Cox, players, and former Albany teammates. It was a moment of unity, with Cox saying it was incredibly emotional to witness so much collective support during such a difficult time; it felt like a tribute to honor Gleason’s legacy.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. Cox reflected on the powerful display of camaraderie, emphasizing that honoring Gleason would help navigate the challenges of recent days.

John D’Argenio, Siena’s athletic director, remarked, “This is the power of Liam.” Gleason had a unique way of bringing both programs together in the wake of his loss.

Siena captain Colby LeBlanc also shared insights on how the team plans to carry on in Gleason’s spirit as they aim to defend their MAAC conference title. “I know he wouldn’t want us to just give up,” LeBlanc said. “That’s definitely a motivator.”

Interestingly, despite their geographic closeness, Siena and Albany are not scheduled to meet again in the regular season until March 17, 2026. However, Marr has mentioned that an annual event in Gleason’s honor will now be a part of the program.

Describing Gleason’s character, Marr noted, “This is a testament to the kind of person he was and how well-respected he was in the lacrosse world.” He emphasized that Gleason was not only a fantastic coach but also a genuinely good person who was enjoyable to be around.