Former Shoreham-Wading River coach Liam Gleason delivered one final act of selflessness and generosity that continues to change lives. The beloved Siena College men’s lacrosse coach, who passed away last month, helped save four people through organ donation. Gleason was a registered organ donor, and WNYT confirmed with the Center for Organ Donation that four individuals received life-saving transplants as a result of his decision.
In the days following his passing, friends and family of the late coach announced the creation of a memorial lacrosse scholarship to honor Gleason’s life, values, and lasting impact on the lacrosse community. The scholarship will ensure that his legacy of service and leadership lives on through future generations of student-athletes.
Gleason was widely known as a larger-than-life presence who combined fierce competitiveness with deep compassion. Throughout his coaching career, from his time at Shoreham-Wading River to his leadership role at Siena, he consistently emphasized giving back, supporting others, and putting the team before oneself. Those principles defined both his coaching philosophy and the way he lived his life.
Even in death, Gleason found a way to help others, a final gesture that perfectly reflected who he was as a person. His family described organ donation as something he felt strongly about, believing it was one more way to make a meaningful difference.
The newly established scholarship will be awarded to members of the Siena men’s lacrosse program who embody the qualities Gleason championed every day: leadership, resilience, hard work, and a selfless commitment to teammates and community. It will support student-athletes who strive to honor the values he instilled both on and off the field.
For those who knew him, Gleason’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. His influence can be felt in the lives he touched, the players he mentored, and now, in the lives he helped save. Through his final gift and the scholarship bearing his name, Liam Gleason’s legacy will continue to inspire long after the final whistle.