Special Recognition
Jacqueline (Jackie) S. Kane ’87
Jacqueline (Jackie) S. Kane ’87 started playing field hockey in elementary school, quickly developing a deep passion for the sport that would become a defining part of her life. As an undergraduate at Fairfield University, she joined the field hockey team as a walk-on, where her experience further deepened her love for the game. A few years after graduating, Kane learned that the Fairfield Field Hockey program had an opening for the position of head coach. Eager to guide the next generation of student-athletes at her alma mater, she applied for the job and was selected, ushering in a new era of team excellence. Kane became a pillar and beloved leader of the program for 30 consecutive seasons, earning the distinction of being the longest-tenured head coach in Fairfield Athletics history. During her remarkable tenure, she made an immeasurable impact on student-athletes, the Field Hockey program, Fairfield Athletics as a whole, and the entire University community.
As head coach, Kane built an impressive legacy, leading the program to 263 wins, six conference tournament championships, and six NCAA postseason appearances. She was recognized with her staff as the NFHCA Mideast Region Coaching Staff of the Year in 2019. Among her many accomplishments and accolades, it is the connections she built and the positive influence she had on her players’ lives that remain her greatest source of pride. “I love the rings, the wins, and the memories,” Kane said, “but I still look at helping to develop good human beings as my greatest win. I never woke up in the morning thinking, ‘I have to win this game.’ I just wanted to make a difference and help these young athletes be the best versions of themselves — athletically, academically, socially, and professionally.”
Kane’s approach to coaching aligns closely with the core Jesuit principle of cura personalis — educating the whole person. As a Fairfield alumna, she was familiar with the principles of Jesuit education and excited about the meaningful impact they could have when applied to her coaching, both on individual student-athletes and the overall team dynamic. “Coaching is a vocation, just like education. It’s an educational role, just using sports as the medium," she noted.
Kane led the Field Hockey program with intention, prioritizing the cultivation of a close-knit team that valued not only individual improvement and teamwork on the field, but also personal development through community service and philanthropy. The widely quoted proverb that “for those to whom much is given, much is expected, was emphasized in her coaching. With this always at the forefront of their minds, members of her team volunteered often and raised awareness and funds for causes championed by the players. They also took an active role in fostering local interest in field hockey by launching and running a Lil’ Stags program to introduce young girls in the Fairfield area to the sport. Over the years, the program has played a pivotal role in developing a thriving local field hockey community.
Kane’s leadership comes from the heart because, for her, the Fairfield field hockey team is personal — it’s family. “The first things I talk about are my husband, Charlie, and my three kids: Jack, Mimi, and Tom — but I actually have four kids, because the Fairfield field hockey team was my first child. I’m so excited for the new coach to take the program in even bigger and better directions. The foundation is there and I know the team will continue to thrive.”
After retiring in 2024, Kane moved to Georgia and is ready to embrace a new and exciting chapter in her life, which she plans to fill with travel, time with family and friends, and a continued commitment to serving others. She will also take on a new role with Fairfield University as a Southeast regional admission representative. “I’m excited to play a part in spreading the word about this amazing institution and continuing to bring great people here.”
