Ippoliti Part of Coach Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award Inaugural Class
5/20/2026 10:32:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- Syracuse junior goalie Michael Ippoliti has been selected to the inaugural class for the Coach Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award. The recipients of the award include 77 NCAA Division I student-athletes and Kennedy Gleason, the daughter of Coach Gleason.
The Gleason Humanitarian Award, established in January 2026 by family members, former coaches, and friends close to Coach Gleason, honors leadership, unwavering support for teammates and staff, outstanding sportsmanship, and meaningful community involvement.
Ippoliti and his Syracuse teammates will compete in the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship Weekend. The #7/8 Orange (13-5) take on #2/3 Notre Dame (12-2) on Saturday, May 23, at 2:30 p.m. at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. Ippoliti has seen action in two games this year, producing a 3.06 goals-against-average and .778 save percentage.
"Michael Ippoliti provides an unwavering support to teammates and staff alike," said Syracuse assistant coach Nick Acquaviva, whose responsibilities include the goalkeepers. "He's always ready with a helping hand, thoughtful advice, or a word of encouragement. Whether it's staying late to help a struggling teammate improve their skills, assisting coaching staff with logistics, or simply being a reliable listener during difficult times, his supportive nature fosters a culture of trust, respect, and collective growth."
Each NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse program selected a student-athlete from their team to receive the Gleason Humanitarian Award at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Voted on by players, coaches, and staff, the recognition is presented to the individual on the roster whose teammates most aspire to emulate.Â
Coach Gleason, who was the men's lacrosse coach at Siena, tragically passed away on Dec. 3, 2025. The 10th head coach in Siena men's lacrosse history, Coach Gleason was the 2025 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Coach of the Year. He guided the Saints to the program's fourth MAAC Tournament Championship, an overall record of 11-5, and a share of the MAAC regular-season title with a 7-1 league mark. A former assistant at Siena, Coach Gleason returned as head coach in June 2018.
The 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, Coach Gleason's mother.Â
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The Gleason Humanitarian Award, established in January 2026 by family members, former coaches, and friends close to Coach Gleason, honors leadership, unwavering support for teammates and staff, outstanding sportsmanship, and meaningful community involvement.
Ippoliti and his Syracuse teammates will compete in the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship Weekend. The #7/8 Orange (13-5) take on #2/3 Notre Dame (12-2) on Saturday, May 23, at 2:30 p.m. at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. Ippoliti has seen action in two games this year, producing a 3.06 goals-against-average and .778 save percentage.
"Michael Ippoliti provides an unwavering support to teammates and staff alike," said Syracuse assistant coach Nick Acquaviva, whose responsibilities include the goalkeepers. "He's always ready with a helping hand, thoughtful advice, or a word of encouragement. Whether it's staying late to help a struggling teammate improve their skills, assisting coaching staff with logistics, or simply being a reliable listener during difficult times, his supportive nature fosters a culture of trust, respect, and collective growth."
Each NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse program selected a student-athlete from their team to receive the Gleason Humanitarian Award at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Voted on by players, coaches, and staff, the recognition is presented to the individual on the roster whose teammates most aspire to emulate.Â
Coach Gleason, who was the men's lacrosse coach at Siena, tragically passed away on Dec. 3, 2025. The 10th head coach in Siena men's lacrosse history, Coach Gleason was the 2025 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Coach of the Year. He guided the Saints to the program's fourth MAAC Tournament Championship, an overall record of 11-5, and a share of the MAAC regular-season title with a 7-1 league mark. A former assistant at Siena, Coach Gleason returned as head coach in June 2018.
The 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, Coach Gleason's mother.Â
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