Fairfield University Athletics hosted its 2021-22 awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 3, in the Oak Room of the Barone Campus Center. The annual event, which celebrates the Stags’ top performers on the field and in the classroom, marked the first time that all 20 varsity athletics programs have gathered under one roof since 2019.

In addition to recognizing all 114 seniors and graduate students, the Stags presented eight major awards. Men’s Athlete of the Year was shared by Matt Zaffino ’23 (baseball) and Kaya Gore ’22 (tennis). Women’s Athlete of the Year was also a shared honor between Lou Lopez Senechal ’22 (basketball) and KJ Johnson ’23 (volleyball).

Fairfield Alumni Association Men’s and Women’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year laurels were presented by Joe Solimine ’89 to Evan Fair ’22 from swimming & diving and Rachel Hakes ’21,M’22 from women’s basketball.

Bestowed annually to the student-athlete who best demonstrates the qualities of character and leadership, the William Wallin Memorial Award went to Jake Noviello ’22 from baseball and women’s rowing’s Audrey Sedensky ’22.

Men’s and Women’s Rookie of the Year nods were given to Jack McKenna ’25 from men’s lacrosse and Mikayla Haut ’25 from volleyball. Both McKenna and Haut were also named their conference’s Rookie of the Year for their outstanding freshman campaigns.

Finally, Paul Schlickmann presented the Athletics Director’s Award to Taj Benning ’21 M’22 from men’s basketball and Malen Iglesias ’21 from field hockey.

In addition to these annual awards, Mary Ann Palazzi received the Fairfield Athletics Service Award. Palazzi recently announced her retirement following more than 20 years as the coordinator of Student Programs and seven seasons as an assistant women’s basketball coach.

To date, Fairfield Athletics has won three conference championships in 2021-22: field hockey, volleyball, and women’s basketball. MAAC titles are still up for grabs in women’s lacrosse, softball, women’s rowing, and baseball.