UMass Lacrosse Player Honored with Humanitarian Award
Loudonville, N.Y. – A standout player from the University of Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team has been recognized with the new Coach Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award. This award celebrates student-athletes who show exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and community involvement.
The award was created in January 2026 by family and friends of Liam Gleason to honor his legacy. Each NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse program selected one player to receive this recognition, chosen by their peers based on qualities they admire.
UMass head coach Kyle Smith expressed pride in selecting Blaise New for this honor. Despite facing an injury that sidelined him for the season after playing in three games, New’s leadership was crucial in helping the team achieve double-digit wins, a feat not accomplished since 2019.
New, from Bedford, New York, has participated in 32 games throughout his college career, contributing seven points and demonstrating solid defensive skills with numerous ground balls and caused turnovers.
The award not only recognizes individual excellence but also fosters a spirit of camaraderie and support among players. It emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact both on and off the field.
As lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, awards like this highlight the sport’s emphasis on character and community service. In 2021, the NCAA reported that participation in men’s lacrosse has grown by over 5% across collegiate levels, indicating a rising interest in the sport.
Awards such as the Coach Liam Gleason Humanitarian Award not only honor the athletes’ contributions but also inspire others to lead by example, ensuring that the spirit of sportsmanship thrives in college sports.
For more information on initiatives that support student-athlete well-being and community engagement, you can explore resources from the NCAA here.
