The Siena College community and the wider lacrosse world came together on Saturday, united in grief and celebration, to honour the life of Liam Gleason. The 41-year-old head coach of the Siena Saints lacrosse team passed away earlier last week following a tragic accident at his home near Albany, New York, which resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
A Community Gathers in Grief and Support
The memorial service was held at the UHY Center on Siena College's Loudonville campus. The venue was filled to capacity with a large crowd comprising Gleason's heartbroken players, fellow coaches, and numerous members of the local lacrosse fraternity. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion, punctuated by tears, fond memories, and loud, appreciative applause for a life cut short.
Liam Gleason leaves behind his wife, Jaclyn, and their three young children. The family's loss was at the forefront of the ceremony, painting a poignant picture of a devoted father and husband whose absence will be deeply felt.
Kennedy Gleason's Heartfelt Promise
One of the most powerful and unforgettable moments of the service came when Gleason's nine-year-old daughter, Kennedy, took to the podium. Speaking with a confidence that belied her age and the immense loss, she shared her love for her father.
"I just want to say, I love my dad so much," Kennedy told the gathered mourners. She then made a promise to honour his legacy through the sport he loved. "One of my goals this year is to be one of the best lacrosse players and get a scholarship for lacrosse."
Her words resonated through the room, triggering a wave of emotional applause. Her mother, Jaclyn Gleason, a former college soccer player, listened with a proud smile, standing alongside her sons, Penn and Tate.
A Coach Remembered: From Player to Mentor
Liam Gleason's journey in lacrosse was deeply rooted in the Albany area. After a standout playing career at the University at Albany, he transitioned into coaching. He first joined Siena College as an assistant coach in 2008. After a stint as head coach at Albany from 2010, he returned to Siena in 2018 to lead the program for the last six seasons.
His players, many of whom had been with him since he took the helm, paid a unified tribute. Wearing shirts that read "Liam Strong," they walked together to place flowers at the altar. They remembered him not just as a coach, but as a mentor and a guiding figure in their lives.
Scott Marr, the head coach at Albany who mentored Gleason, also spoke at the service. Holding a lacrosse stick at the podium, he thanked the community for the overwhelming support shown to the Gleason family. "For all the love he gave us for 41 years, it's coming back today," Marr said, reflecting on the flood of messages and calls received.
An Outpouring of Financial Support
In the face of this tragedy, the community has rallied to support the Gleason family financially. A GoFundMe fundraiser was established before his passing to help cover mounting medical expenses and provide for his young family. The campaign has seen an incredible response.
As of Saturday, the fundraiser had collected more than $500,000 in donations, a testament to the number of lives Liam Gleason touched. The fundraising page describes him as a devoted father, husband, coach, and friend whose kindness and passion left a lasting impact on everyone around him.
The memorial service for Liam Gleason was not just a farewell; it was a powerful testament to a life lived with passion, dedication, and love—a legacy that will undoubtedly continue through his family, his players, and the sport of lacrosse.
