Siena University announced that Liam Gleason, head coach of the men’s lacrosse program, has died at age 41, just three days after suffering a severe head injury in a fall at his home. Gleason passed away on Wednesday at Albany Medical Center.
In a statement, Siena said it was “profoundly saddened to share the tragic news.”
University president Chuck Seifert called the loss “a sudden, senseless loss” and added: “It’s hard to imagine anyone more universally loved and admired than Liam. Our community was blessed by Coach Gleason’s life.”
A Celebrated Coach and Mentor
Gleason, a 2007 graduate of the University at Albany, led Siena’s lacrosse program for the past seven seasons. He guided the Saints to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship in May—Siena’s first title in 11 years.
Before his arrival, the program had endured four straight losing seasons. Under his leadership, Siena returned to championship form and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Reflecting on winning the title, Gleason said: “It’s why I came to Siena, was to try to win another MAAC championship… To finally get that championship, especially with this senior class, means so much.”
He was also named the 2025 ECAC Division I Men’s Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
Details of the Accident
Police dispatch records show that Gleason fell down stairs at his home in Halfmoon around 4 p.m. Sunday. State Police and paramedics responded, and CPR was administered during his transport to the hospital. He remained in critical condition until his passing.
On Wednesday afternoon, he was taken on an emotional “Honor Walk” through Albany Medical Center.
More than 250 people gathered in the hallways—including Siena players in uniform, University at Albany players, UAlbany coach Scott Marr, President Seifert and athletic staff.
Support Pours In for Gleason’s Family
Members of the lacrosse world and alumni from Siena and UAlbany rallied behind the family. A fundraising page created for his wife Jaclyn and their three children—Kennedy, Penn and Tate—had raised more than $450,000 by Wednesday afternoon.
A public Mass honoring Gleason will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the UHY Center on Siena’s campus.
Gleason’s Legacy in Lacrosse
A Long Island native, Gleason played defense for the University at Albany after transferring from Adelphi, helping the Great Danes reach the 2007 NCAA quarterfinals.
His coaching career included:
- Siena assistant coach (2008–2010)
- Head coach at The College of Saint Rose (2011)
- Albany assistant coach (six straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including 2018 semifinal run)
- Siena head coach (2018–2025)
He is survived by his wife Jaclyn; children Kennedy, Penn and Tate; his parents Kevin and Susan; and his brother Brendan, an assistant coach at Saint Andrew’s School in Florida.
