Prior to the recent regular season finale for Aquinas boys’ soccer, Josh Gleason let his team know that this would be his final year as the program’s head coach. Gleason leaves behind more than a dozen campaigns at the helm including the 2023 AQ boys which went undefeated and won the NYS Class A title.
A 1994 graduate of Aquinas, Gleason started for three years as the Li’l Irish goalkeeper. The 1992 team under then-head coach Gary LaPietra won the Section V Class B title and advanced to the NYS semifinals.
Gleason went on to Monroe Community College where he was the keeper for the Tribunes’ soccer team and posted a 26-8-4 record over two seasons. He was a First Team All-Region selection in 1996 when he finished with a 0.24 goals against average. He also played for MCC’s lacrosse and tennis teams earning All-Region honors with the Tribunes’ lacrosse squad. The school’s Male Athlete of the Year in 1997, he is also member of MCC’s Athletics Hall of Fame.
He continued his college career at SUNY Brockport.
Prior to his time coaching his alma mater, Gleason served as an assistant under Mark Hurley with the Pittsford Mendon program.
He has also coached travel teams for the Lancers, Western New York Flash and Rochester NY FC and has helped more than 50 student-athletes go on to play at the collegiate level.
Following is the statement Gleason gave to the administration of Aquinas Institute.
“After 13 incredible years on the sidelines, it’s hard to put into words what it means to say that this chapter is coming to a close. Coaching boys’ varsity soccer at Aquinas Institute has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As a former alum, parent and employee of AQ, I am grateful and blessed for my time at Aquinas. What started as a passion for coaching sports quickly became something much bigger—a commitment to shaping young men, building character, and representing the Aquinas tradition with pride.
“From the first whistle of preseason to the final moments under the lights, every season brought its own challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable memories. I’ve been blessed to coach some truly exceptional players, to work alongside dedicated assistants, and to be part of a community that believes in faith, discipline, and family. I want to thank the Aquinas administration for having me as a part of the AQ family over the past 13 years. Specifically, I want to thank our Athletic Director Anthony Bianchi for always being in my corner. If it wasn’t for Anthony’s support, I am confident that this program and many others would not be as successful as they could be. If not for his support and belief in me, I would not be where I am today. I also want to thank President, Dave Eustis for his leadership and support as well. He came into Aquinas and had an immediate impact with his support of the Athletic department.
“My coaching journey was inspired by so many along the way. Gary and Joe LaPietra were huge influences for my coaching style. Be competitive and bring passion to every practice and game no matter who the opponent was. Mark Hurley gave me my start and paved the way for how to have a brand and run a successful program. Coach Nelson Cupello was also very important to my development. His attention to the details made all the difference. Physical fitness breeds mental toughness. Tad Valentino, thank you for sharing my vision and providing so much insight many late nights helping this program achieve our goals. I want to thank all my coaches and assistants over the years but it was John Oliveri that committed to my insanity and provided me with the balance and second set of eyes that were necessary for our success. To the many team moms and parents that spent hours helping our program be so successful. Jodi Ogden, Kelly Wegman and Veronica Passifiume, without your help Aquinas Boys Soccer could not function. Ginger and Jeff Sorensen, thank you for all your support and generosity behind the scenes. I can never reciprocate all that you have done for this program. Jay Wegman, thank you for always being a positive influence and helping this program in any way possible. You have been a consistent example of how parents and coaches should interact with each other and I am truly grateful. I want to thank all the players that bought into what we were trying to do at Aquinas. I know that it wasn’t always easy for you but those that saw the bigger picture were not only successful on the field but will ultimately be successful in life. Attack what you want out of life and do it with purpose and passion. Discover your WHY?
“Lastly, I want to thank my family. The entire 2025 year has been nightmare for us with the tragic and sudden loss of my father. As more days have passed, it hasn’t gotten much easier in my personal life. It is in the darkest moments when we need to stick together most. I am grateful and blessed to have an amazing extended family. To Amy, LJ, Colby and Sawyer thank you for allowing me to pursue a dream of mine coaching at AQ. The boys have had to share dad with hundreds of kids over the years and at times took a back seat to my time which should have been spent with them. Amy, I know that this has been hardest on you. For 13 years we’ve missed birthdays and anniversaries and many events you had to go and support the boys without me. You did so very much for this program not only for me, but many players have been impacted by your care and thoughtfulness over the years. I look forward to being more present and involved as just a parent that can support you and the boys in all that they choose to do.
“Aquinas Boys Soccer needs a new voice and new traditions. I look forward to the next chapter and leader of the program. “Believe in a Good Thing” was the program motto, but it is also a phrase for the boys to reflect on when life throws curve balls at us. I wish nothing but good things for Aquinas Institute.”
Josh Gleason
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