Hall of Fame
David Leistman grew up in Stewart Manor and attended Sewanhaka High School; while there, he played football, basketball and lacrosse. His ability in lacrosse earned him a scholarship to Adelphi, and he became one of the greatest players in Panther lacrosse history.
In his three years with the Panthers, Leistman scored 75 goals and added 16 assists for a total of 91 points. He was twice named a First Team All-American at midfield, and played a crucial role in Adelphi's first two National Championships in 1979 and 1981. Head Coach Paul Doherty credited his calming personality and his ability to score vital goals as the most important factors in the 1981 Championship victory over Loyola of Baltimore.
David graduated in 1981 with a bachelor's degree of business administration. He became a corporate bond trader and rose to the position of partner at Cantor Fitzgerald. Despite the demands of his job, David continued to be involved in lacrosse and coached numerous teams in the area. He was head lacrosse coach of the Garden City Boys' P.A.L. between 1996 and 2000, of the Garden City Girls' PAL between 1998 and 2001 and also coached the U-13 Long Island Elite Boys' Sting lacrosse club. He also found time to be the director of the Garden City Men's Association from 1999-2001 and the head football coach of the Garden City Thunder between 1997 and 1999.
Adored by both his players and their parents for his caring and generous coaching style, David never missed a game or even practice of either of his own children – Brian and Katie. Tragically, David was killed on September 11, 2001. He had been married to his college sweetheart Maryclair since 1983.
