By: Scott Eddy, Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – The inaugural class for the Coach Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award has been named with junior Patrick Shanahan representing St. Bonaventure. Seventy-seven NCAA Division I men's lacrosse student-athletes and Kennedy Gleason, daughter of Coach Liam Gleason, are the 2026 recipients of the award.
The Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award, established in January 2026 by family members, former coaches, and friends close to Liam, the head coach at Siena who passed away prior to this season, honors its inaugural group of recipients exemplifying leadership, unwavering support for teammates and staff, outstanding sportsmanship, and meaningful community involvement.
Each NCAA Division I men's lacrosse program selected a student-athlete from their team to receive the Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Voted on by players, coaches, and staff, this honor is awarded to the individual on the roster whose teammates most aspire to emulate.
"PJ Shanahan is a special person. His drive and dedication consistently lifts our program; we lean on him as much off the field as we do on it," Bonnies head coach Brendan Storrier said. "PJ is a once in a generation type of person that all coaches hope to one day get the privilege to coach."
Shanahan is involved in several volunteer efforts away from the field and was also selected to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team earlier this month for his success in the classroom and as a leader statistically for the Bonnies.
The Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award program will provide the opportunity for Coach Gleason's legacy to live on for years to come, something for his family and children to witness.
"Being a light in the world means spreading kindness, love, and positivity to those around you – helping dispel darkness and negativity. Simple acts of compassion can illuminate the lives of others and inspire them to do the same. Liam was that light in the world, and even though his physical presence is gone, his light continues to shine," said Sue Gleason.
