Friends of Fairfield Athletics,
As we head into the season of Thanksgiving – I would like to thank you for believing in and investing in our student-athletes and coaches! Your annual participation as a donor, season ticket holder, and/or sponsor makes an impact not only in the ability to provide the necessary operational resources to compete at the highest level, but allows us to offer holistic programming for our student-athletes to ensure they are “Built for Life” upon graduation.
As you might have noticed – our collective athletics successes are being recognized both at the conference and national levels. After receiving the MAAC Commissioner’s Cup for the first time since 2012, we were named the recipient of the 2024 Best College Athletic Department by Front Office Sports. It’s important to note that the criteria for the Best College Athletic Department included a combination of how we support student-athletes through mental health support, financial literacy, mentorship, career transitions, and state-of-the-art facilities – all areas that you help contribute to as donors. These awards are not possible without you being part of our team. Thank you!
Now, we look to build upon this successful foundation and strive for new heights, on and off the field of competition. As we near the finish of the fall season, I’m proud to spotlight a few of the many highlights from the past few months:
- Field Hockey – The Stags won their third NEC Championship, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in program history in the 30th and final season of Coach Kane's legendary career.
- Volleyball – Fairfield won its sixth consecutive MAAC Regular Season Championship and will be the top seed in this weekend's MAAC Championship tournament.
- W. Soccer – The Stags won the MAAC Regular Season and Tournament Titles, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008. Coach Barrett was named MAAC Coach of the Year and Maddy Theriault '26 was selected as MAAC Player of the Year. Coach Barrett picked up his 300th career win.
- Cross Country – Hannah Snayd is the first MAAC Cross Country Champion in the history of the program and was voted 2025 MAAC Rookie of the Year. The Men’s program finished 8th and Women’s 9th at the MAAC Championships.
- M. Soccer – Coach Witkowski earned his first career win at Columbia, starting a five-match unbeaten streak that also included a draw at #24 UConn.
- Rowing – The Stags Women’s Club 4 entry in the prestigious Head of The Charles Regatta claimed 10th place out of 50 entries, Men’s Novice 4+ secured a 2nd Place finish in the open category at the Head of The Schuylkill.
- Swimming & Diving – Coach Lichter earned the first wins of his career as the men’s and women’s teams swept the Fairfield Invitational. Both squads have also earned a head-to-head win in a dual meet against Providence.
- W. Tennis – Anna Neyestani won the first-ever MAAC Masters Tournament and advanced to the Round of 16 at the ITA at the ITA Conference Masters.
- M. Tennis – Two individuals and two doubles teams reached the Round of 32 in the ITA New England Regional Championship.
- Golf – Katelynn Waclawski wrapped up the women’s fall schedule with a win in the Lehigh Invite, while a pair of Stags, Rasmus Ditzinger & Chase Millar, finished in the Top 10 on the leaderboard for the men.
Looking ahead – please be sure to join us in Leo D. Mahoney Arena as our Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs tip-off their respective seasons. I would also like to invite you to make a gift to support our #GivingTuesday campaign on December 3rd. Any gift made to our Built for Life Fund or the sports program of your choice will count towards our #GivingTuesday campaign goals. Give Today!
Thank you again for making a difference!
Go Stags,
Paul Schlickmann
Vice President for Athletics
