Outpouring Of Love For SWR Grad, Siena Saints Head Coach Liam Gleason: $776K+ Raised For His Family So Far

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER, NY — The Shoreham-Wading River School District, as well as the many who loved him, have opened their hearts to help after the loss of alumni and Siena University head lacrosse coach Liam Gleason — who died in a tragic fall at home recently.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in, and a GoFundMe page organized to help his family has raised $776,198 so far.

Siena University, in an official statement, announced the devastating news: "Siena University is profoundly saddened to share the tragic news of the passing of men's lacrosse head coach Liam Gleason. Coach Gleason, who had just turned 41, passed away following injuries sustained in an accident at home."

According to the New York State Police, Gleason died after a sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a fall at home, 13wham.com said.

"Liam is survived by his beloved wife of 12 years, Jaclyn, their three cherished children — daughter Kennedy, and sons Penn and Tate — his parents, Kevin and Susan, his brother, Brendan (Allie), and their extended families," Siena University said.

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

For seven seasons, Coach Gleason led a program that "made the community proud, and drew families to Siena not simply for athletics, but for the chance to place their sons in the care of a tremendous leader who would mentor them not only in lacrosse, but in life. Liam treated every one of his student athletes like a son, and every alumnus, colleague, and Saint like a valued friend," the statement said.

"The Siena community is devastated by this unspeakable tragedy," said Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "As one Siena family, we give our support, prayers, and love to Jaclyn, Kennedy, Penn, Tate, and the entire Gleason family, as well as our men's lacrosse student athletes and alumni, and those whom Liam touched while both a coach and player at UAlbany. Liam was an amazing human being, a great teammate in the department, and made Siena a better place."

According to Sienna, as the tenth head coach in Siena Men's lacrosse history, Gleason reached the "pinnacle" of his head coaching career this past spring. He earned both ECAC and MAAC Coach of the Year honors after leading the Saints to the program's fourth MAAC Tournament Championship.

Under Coach Gleason's tutelage, Siena achieved an 11-5 overall record and claimed a share of the MAAC Regular Season title with a 7-1 league mark, securing the program's first national ranking in 14 years, checking in at No. 20 in both the USILA Coaches' Poll and Inside Lacrosse KANE Media Poll on May 5.

He returned to Loudonville in June 2018 to lead the men's lacrosse program, after having previously begun his collegiate coaching career as an assistant for the Saints under Brian Brecht from 2008 to 2010.

"As the team's defensive coordinator, he helped orchestrate one of the most definitive three-year runs in program history, which culminated with Siena's first MAAC Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009," Siena officials said.

The Saints also won MAAC Regular Season titles in both 2009 and 2010.

Originally from Wading River, Gleason was a 2007 graduate of the University at Albany, where he starred as both a defenseman and later as an assistant coach under Scott Marr. Liam spent seven seasons, from 2012 to 2018, as the associate head coach at his alma mater, helping guide the Great Danes to six straight NCAA Tournaments, highlighted by a National Semifinal appearance in 2018.

Gleason, Siena said, "was an outstanding lacrosse coach and his many professional accomplishments, including last year's MAAC Championship, speak to his talent and leadership. But wins and titles are only a small part of his legacy. What mattered to Liam most was family – his wife and children, and everyone he coached, mentored, and loved."

Gleason, who graduated from Shoreham-Wading River High School, leaves a great legacy, said Jim Lauckhardt, Shoreham-Wading River Board of Education Vice President. "The Shoreham Wading River School District is deeply saddened by the passing of Liam Gleason. I had the privilege of playing lacrosse with Liam throughout our childhood and high school, and he always stood out as an exceptionally kind teammate, a dedicated competitor, and a genuinely good person."

He added: "His impact on the lacrosse community, as a standout player and coach at Albany and most recently as the head coach at Siena, reflects the same character and work ethic he showed here at home. Our hearts are with his family, including his wife and three children, and his parents who continue to be a part of the SWR community, as well as with his friends, former teammates, and the Siena and UAlbany lacrosse programs during this difficult time."

The Siena Saints, in an X post, said they were "heartbroken to share the tragic news."

The GoFundMe page, "Liam Gleason's Family," was set up by Julia F. to help. "The Gleason family has suffered the most unimaginable tragedy with Liam suffering a traumatic brain injury. Anyone who knows him knows what a light he is in this world. Liam is the best father, husband, brother, son, brother-in-law, uncle, coach, and friend. His heart is as big as his 6’5 frame, and the love he gives to those around him is immeasurable."

His wife Jaclyn and their three children "now face a long road of emotional and financial challenges in the weeks, months, and years ahead," the page said. "As they navigate this devastating news, we are asking for support to help ease the burden on Jaclyn and the kids. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference and allow them to focus on healing and being together. Please keep the Gleason family in your thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time. Your generosity, love, and support mean more than you know. Thank you for helping lift up this incredible family in their darkest moment."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

At the request of the family, donations in Gleason's memory may also be made to the Siena Men's Lacrosse Coaches Discretionary Fund (under "direct my gift to support", click choose area, and select in memory of Coach Liam Gleason).