EDISON, NJ (June 3, 2026) – Earlier this year, the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) and the Gleason family introduced the Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award, an initiative established to honor the life and lasting legacy of former Siena University Men's Lacrosse head coach Liam Gleason. A beloved mentor and leader who made a profound impact on countless student-athletes and colleagues throughout his career, Gleason passed away in December 2025 at the age of 41.
Created in January 2026 by Gleason’s family, former coaches, and close friends, the Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award recognizes student-athletes who exemplify the qualities that defined Gleason’s life and career: leadership, selflessness, unwavering support of teammates and staff, outstanding sportsmanship, and meaningful service to their communities.
Following the conclusion of the 2026 season, each NCAA Division I men's lacrosse program selected one student-athlete to receive the inaugural Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award. Chosen through a vote of players, coaches, and staff, the honor is presented to the individual whose teammates most aspire to emulate. In May 2026, 77 student-athletes from across Division I were recognized as the inaugural recipients, each embodying the spirit and values that Coach Gleason championed.
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is proud to recognize the following recipients from its member institutions:
In addition to the award, men's lacrosse coaches across all three NCAA divisions wore green "LG" lapel pins during the weekend of February 13-15 to honor Coach Gleason's memory. The IMLCA distributed more than 1,000 pins and educational materials promoting organ donation, a cause that was deeply important to Liam.
In his final act of generosity, Gleason’s decision to become an organ donor saved four lives and improved the lives of several others. Through initiatives such as the Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award and the nationwide awareness campaign, his legacy of leadership, compassion, and service will continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes and coaches.
As previously announced in December, the Coach Liam Gleason Memorial Lacrosse Scholarship was established by family and friends to honor the lasting impact Liam had as a coach, mentor, and friend. The scholarship will be awarded to Siena men's lacrosse student-athletes who embody the leadership, dedication, and team-first mentality that defined Coach Gleason's life and career.
Additional information can be found using the following links:
The Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award
The Coach Liam Gleason Memorial Lacrosse Scholarship
Organ Donation Educational Resources & To Register to Become a Donor
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 13 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 45th year of competition during the 2025-26 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius University, Fairfield University, Iona University, Manhattan University, Marist University, Merrimack College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena University.