Race Ripley, a senior from Annapolis, Md., has been chosen as a recipient of the inaugural Coach Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and community involvement. He is one of 77 NCAA Division I men's lacrosse student-athletes nominated by their respective programs for this honor, established to celebrate the legacy of former Siena men's lacrosse coach Liam Gleason, who passed away in 2025. Navy head coach Joe Amplo praised Ripley for raising the standard of excellence and contributing positively to his team and community.

By the Numbers
  • Ripley played 35 games in his career and started 6 of 11 games his senior season.
  • He finished the season with 14 points, comprising 8 goals and 6 assists.
Yes, But

While Ripley's recognition celebrates individual excellence, it also reflects the broader commitment of lacrosse programs nationwide to pay tribute to influential figures like Liam Gleason and promote the values of compassion and leadership.

State of Play
  • The Coach Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award was established in January 2026 to honor exemplary student-athletes in men's lacrosse.
  • Throughout the 2026 season, various programs have honored Gleason's impact on the sport and community.
What's Next

As more programs participate in the award's future iterations, the focus may shift towards nurturing and recognizing the next generation of student-athletes who embody the humanitarian values Gleason inspired.

Bottom Line

Ripley's achievement underscores the importance of leadership, compassion, and community spirit in athletics, serving as an example for current and future student-athletes to aspire to greater values beyond the game.