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Marquette, Siena Find Strength in Brotherhood, Healing in the Game
Lacrosse teams cope with tragic losses of teammates and coaches
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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The Marquette and Siena men's lacrosse teams have faced unimaginable tragedies in recent months, with the deaths of players and a coach. As they begin new seasons, the teams are finding strength in their brotherhood and the healing power of the game they love.
Why it matters
The losses suffered by these college lacrosse programs highlight the fragility of life and the importance of community and support during times of grief. The way these teams navigate their grief and honor their fallen teammates and coaches can provide inspiration and lessons for others facing similar tragedies.
The details
In September, Marquette sophomores Scott Michaud and Noah Snyder were killed in a car crash. Just a few months later, Siena coach Liam Gleason died after a fall at his home. The teams have struggled to cope with these sudden and devastating losses, but have found solace in leaning on each other and the sport they share. Both teams have made efforts to honor their fallen members, including maintaining their lockers and placing logos and patches on their uniforms.
- On September 5, Marquette players Scott Michaud and Noah Snyder were killed in a car crash.
- On November 30, Siena coach Liam Gleason suffered a fatal head injury after a fall at his home.
- Both Marquette and Siena will play their first games since the tragedies this Saturday.
The players
Jake Richard
The second-year head coach of the Marquette men's lacrosse team.
Conor Hufnagel
A graduate attackman for the Siena men's lacrosse team.
Colby LeBlanc
A senior midfielder and captain for the Siena men's lacrosse team.
What they’re saying
“A phrase that I've heard a ton is there's no playbook and there's no right answer. But I believe there is a right answer, and the right answer is just being together.”
— Jake Richard, Head Coach, Marquette Men's Lacrosse (usalacrosse.com)
“Our biggest thing was just staying together. That week, every night we made sure all the guys were together, spending time and trying not to think of it as much. During our break, one of our emphases for us captains was to make sure we reached out to players on the team to catch up and see how they're doing — they shouldn't be holding in any emotions.”
— Conor Hufnagel, Graduate Attackman, Siena Men's Lacrosse (usalacrosse.com)
“The first day is what I've been looking forward to for about a month, to be with the guys. That first practice is going to be pretty tough because it's going to be like, 'Wow, he's really not here with us right now.' But he is, right?”
— Colby LeBlanc, Senior Midfielder and Captain, Siena Men's Lacrosse (usalacrosse.com)
What’s next
Both Marquette and Siena will honor their fallen teammates and coaches throughout the season, with visible reminders like helmet decals, jersey patches, and field logos. The teams will also focus on supporting each other and finding healing through the game they love.
The takeaway
The tragedies faced by the Marquette and Siena lacrosse programs underscore the importance of community, brotherhood, and the therapeutic power of sports during times of unimaginable grief. These teams' stories of resilience and togetherness in the face of devastating loss can serve as an inspiration to others navigating similar challenges.
