Liam Gleason, Siena College Lacrosse Coach, Passes Away at 41
Liam Gleason, the men’s lacrosse coach at Siena College and a native of Long Island, tragically died on Wednesday due to injuries sustained from an accident at his home over the weekend.
He was just 41 years old.
For seven seasons, Gleason led the Siena program, achieving a significant milestone with the MAAC Championship in May—an impressive feat, marking the program’s first conference title in a decade. He was a well-known figure in the metropolitan lacrosse community.
“The sudden loss of someone so beloved is a pain that is simply incomprehensible,” stated Siena President Chuck Seifert. “It’s really hard to think of anyone more loved than Liam. Our community was truly blessed to have him.”
Reports indicate that Gleason suffered serious head injuries after falling down the stairs at his home on Sunday afternoon. Emergency responders arrived promptly, performing CPR before transporting him to the hospital.
Siena College has announced a public funeral to be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the UHY Center located on campus.
At Albany Medical Center, around 250 people gathered to honor Gleason as he was recognized via a “walk of honor” as an organ donor. Among those present were President Seifert, the Siena men’s lacrosse team, and members from the athletic departments of Siena College and the University at Albany, where Gleason had studied.
Hailing from Shoreham-Wading River, Gleason played high school lacrosse on Long Island before competing with Division II Adelphi for two years. He transferred to Albany, helping the team reach the NCAA quarterfinals in 2007.
He began his coaching career at Siena as an assistant in 2008 before taking a head coaching role at the College of Saint Rose in 2010. Gleason returned to Siena to become head coach in 2018.
“Liam made an impactful contribution to the Capital Region lacrosse community,” stated the Albany men’s lacrosse team in a tribute. “His passion and friendship will be deeply missed.”
Tom Rotanz, Gleason’s high school coach, expressed his sorrow, describing him as a “gentle giant” who brought kindness wherever he went. He reflected on their annual dinners and the camaraderie they shared, saying, “There have been few players in my career who made me feel the world needed more people like them. Liam was definitely one of them.”
Gleason is survived by his wife, Jaclyn, their three children—daughter Kennedy and sons Penn and Tate—as well as his parents, Kevin and Susan, his brother Brendan, and many other family members.
