Liam Gleason: Former UAlbany Athlete and Coach Passes Away at Age 41

By Carter Schum  | December 8, 2025

Photo Credit: UAlbany Athletics

On Wednesday (12/3), The University at Albany and Siena University announced the passing of Liam Gleason, aged 41. 

In a statement, the UAlbany men's lacrosse program wrote “From a standout student-athlete to a dedicated member of the coaching staff, Liam poured his heart into the Capital Region lacrosse community and left an indelible mark on everyone he met.”

Siena University President Chuck Seifert wrote in a statement on Gleason's passing "A sudden, senseless loss carries a kind of pain that defies understanding.”

Gleason was a figure in Capital Region lacrosse for nearly 2 decades. Gleason first played for the University at Albany for 2 years after transferring from Adelphi University, and as a star defenseman he was a member of the 2007 Great Dane men’s lacrosse team which won the America East Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals. 

After graduating from UAlbany with a BA in Sociology, Gleason would begin his coaching career at Siena University, serving as assistant coach for their men’s lacrosse program from 2008-2010. 

Following this 3 season stretch, Gleason would move to the College of Saint Rose for the 2011 season, before returning to UAlbany in 2012 as an assistant coach. During his time as an assistant coach for the Great Danes, Gleason helped lead UAlbany to 6 NCAA tournament appearances in a row, and a semi-final berth in 2018. 

Following the 2018 lacrosse season, Gleason once again returned to Siena–this time as Head Coach. During his tenure as head coach, Gleason steadily rebuilt the Saints’ program, culminating in a 2025 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament. This would see Gleason return to UAlbany as the Saints and Great Danes faced off in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Casey Stadium. 

Gleason suffered a fatal accident on Sunday (11/30) in his home. He was transported to Albany Medical Center shortly after via an ambulance, Gleason’s passing was announced shortly after. 

He is survived by his wife Jaclyn, a fellow UAlbany alum and their children Kennedy, Penn and Tate.