Siena University confirmed that men’s lacrosse head coach Liam Gleason is in the hospital after suffering a “serious accident” at his home on Sunday afternoon. The news has sent shockwaves through the Siena athletic community, the broader Capital Region sports world, and the national lacrosse community, all of whom have closely followed Gleason’s remarkable impact on the Saints’ program over the past seven years.
According to police dispatch records, emergency responders were called to Gleason’s residence in Halfmoon shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday. Dispatchers reported that Gleason had fallen down a set of stairs inside his home, sustaining a severe head injury. State Police and local paramedics arrived quickly, initiating life-saving procedures. CPR was administered en route as he was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The university confirmed Monday that he remained hospitalized, but by Tuesday morning no additional medical update had been released, heightening concern among fans, colleagues, and former players.
In response to the sudden tragedy, supporters created a GoFundMe campaign to assist Gleason’s family with medical and related expenses. The fundraiser gained extraordinary momentum almost immediately, a testament to the deep admiration and goodwill Gleason has earned throughout his coaching career. By Tuesday afternoon, contributions had already exceeded $310,000, with donations pouring in from current and former athletes, fellow coaches, alumni, community members, and supporters from across the national lacrosse community. Many contributors shared messages describing Gleason as a mentor, a motivator, and a deeply respected leader who consistently prioritized the development and well-being of his players.
The emotional impact of the accident extended throughout Siena’s athletic department. During a scheduled media appearance on Monday, Siena women’s basketball coach Terry Primm spoke with visible emotion as she reflected on the news. She described Gleason as someone widely admired for his character, passion, and perseverance. “I’m heartbroken over what I’ve heard,” Primm said. “We’re going to stay in prayer, and we’re going to stay hopeful. We’re praying for a miracle. Liam is an incredible person doing an incredible job with his team, and he has been a source of inspiration for me and many others over the years. I hope everything works out for him and his family.”
Gleason, who turned 41 just two days before the accident, is a 2007 graduate of the University at Albany and has been at the helm of Siena’s men’s lacrosse program for seven seasons. When he took over, the Saints were coming off four consecutive losing seasons. His leadership helped rebuild the program’s culture and competitiveness, ultimately guiding the team to a dramatic resurgence. His overall record of 42–48 does not fully capture the steady progress and renewed energy he brought, culminating in the Saints’ 2024 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship—their first conference title in a decade.
That championship represented a defining moment for Gleason and the program. Reflecting on the achievement last May, he emphasized both the challenge and the sense of responsibility he felt when he accepted the job at Siena. “It’s why I came to Siena—to try to win another MAAC championship,” Gleason said at the time. “The Siena lacrosse family is strong, and the alumni have supported us so much through tough times. To finally break through and win that title, especially with this senior class, meant everything.”
The university has asked the public to continue offering thoughts and prayers for Gleason and his family during this difficult time. Administrators, players, and staff have chosen to respect the family’s privacy while also acknowledging the immense outpouring of support from the community.