Nine-year-old daughter honors late Siena lacrosse coach Liam Gleason following his death from traumatic brain injury | International Sports News
Liam Gleason was remembered with tears, love, and loud applause on Saturday as family, friends, and players gathered to honor his life. The Siena lacrosse head coach died earlier this week after suffering a traumatic brain injury caused by a fall at his home near Albany, New York. He was 41 years old and leaves behind a wife and three young children.The memorial service took place on Saturday at Siena College’s Loudonville campus at the UHY Center. A large crowd filled the venue, including Gleason’s players, fellow coaches, and members of the local lacrosse community. One of the most emotional moments came when his nine-year-old daughter, Kennedy Gleason, stood at the podium to speak about her father.
Kennedy Gleason honors father Liam Gleason with promise to follow his lacrosse dream
Kennedy Gleason spoke briefly but confidently as she shared how much her father meant to her. “I just want to say, I love my dad so much,” she told the crowd. She then spoke about how she hopes to honor him. “One of my goals this year is to be one of the best lacrosse players and get a scholarship for lacrosse.”Her words drew a loud round of applause and emotional reactions across the room. Kennedy’s mother, Jaclyn Gleason, smiled while listening to her daughter speak. Jaclyn, a former college soccer player, attended the service with her sons, Penn Gleason and Tate Gleason. Liam Gleason’s players also paid tribute during the ceremony. They wore shirts reading “Liam Strong” and walked together to place flowers at the altar. Many of them had played under Gleason since he became Siena’s head coach in 2018 and described him as more than just a coach.Gleason’s coaching journey began after a standout playing career at the University at Albany. He joined Siena College as an assistant coach in 2008, returned to Albany for his first head coaching role in 2010, and later came back to Siena, where he led the program for six seasons.Albany lacrosse head coach Scott Marr, who mentored Gleason, also spoke on Saturday. Holding a lacrosse stick at the podium, Marr thanked the community for its support. “For all the love he gave us for 41 years, it’s coming back today,” he said, describing the overwhelming messages and calls received throughout the week.A GoFundMe fundraiser was created before Gleason’s death to help cover medical bills and support his family. As of Saturday, the fundraiser had raised more than $500,000. The page describes Liam Gleason as a devoted father, husband, coach, and friend whose kindness and passion touched everyone around him.Also Read: “White House Is On”: Conor McGregor Calls Out Islam Makhachev As He Aims For The UFC 170-Pound Welterweight Belt Next
