Athletics Annual Report 2009–10 Pink Zone the Men’S and Women’S Basketball Doubleheader on January 16 Was Designated Numerous Raffles Were Held Throughout the Day

Athletics Annual Report 2009–10 Pink Zone The men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader on January 16 was designated Numerous raffles were held throughout the day. The WBCA Pink Zone® initiative as the WBCA Pink Zone® game. Fans had the opportunity to bid on silent is a global, unified effort for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s auction items such as a 12-person suite at the Arena at Harbor Yard for the (WBCA) nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the Gravity Slashers Freestyle Motocross event and the Harlem Globetrotters visit. court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. 1

Message from the Director of Athletics

s I stood on the sideline during one of our spring games, I looked at the scoreboard and saw the final seconds ticking away. I watched as the opponent tried for one last A offensive push to try and tie the game, while the Stags dug in for a final defensive stand. The coaches and student-athletes watched as those precious seconds ticked away, each team frantically trying to win the game. No one appreciates time more than those in the sports world. Whether you are a coach, a student-athlete, or a fan, you know how precious time is and how difficult preserving it can be. Just think of the coach who calls a timeout in the final seconds so that he or she can make use of every last second to win a game. Our student-athletes know how precious time is and how difficult it can be to control it. Juggling academic responsibilities with athletic responsibilities can be overwhelming at times. And, when you throw in additional responsibilities such as community service and internships, you quickly see that there is not much leisure or down time for a student-athlete. Athletics Director Gene Doris and City of We often tell our student-athletes to prioritize their lives, make choices that will be of the Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch celebrate the greatest benefit to them. While that is easy to say, it is not easy in practice. A student-athlete 1,000th ticketed event at the Arena at cannot disregard academic or athletic responsibilities, which leaves the extracurricular Harbor Yard. activities on the chopping block. But I’ve come to know that those activities are very important for our student-athletes’ development as they transition from student to adult life. Our student-athletes also see the value in these activities, and therefore create time to include them in their daily lives. They embrace Fairfield University’s Jesuit mission and identity which instills awareness that academic achievement brings with it a responsibility to serve their community. Every Stags athletic team performs community service work in the Town of Fairfield and the City of Bridgeport. We do not require our programs to reach out, but rather leave it to each team to find their place in the surrounding community. This role often translates into academic service through tutoring or mentoring programs. You may have read about our student-athletes participating in the Read Aloud program or serving as academic coaches or tutors in area schools. Our latest initiative – Bridgeport’s Brightest – partnered our athletic program with the city’s public schools to reward city students for their academic performance in the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). In addition to serving others, our student-athletes also find time to improve on their own life skills by participating in the University’s internship program. Many of our student-athletes build their resumes through internships that have taken them to the financial district or the corporate sector. Other student-athletes found their way into editorial jobs with magazines or communication companies. As you page through this year’s annual report, you will see our student-athletes in the community, in the work place, in the classroom, and in competition. You will see how all of these elements come together in the true spirit of the Jesuit ideal of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. And I know you will share in the pride that our entire University community has when it comes to our student-athletes. I am grateful to those who supported our student-athletes and programs through the Lyons-Lademan Fund. Through their gifts, we are able to complement the University’s commitment to athletics by providing our student-athletes with top-notch facilities and state-of-the art equipment that enhances their experience at Fairfield University. On behalf of our administrators, coaches, and student-athletes, I would like to express our thanks for your spirit, commitment, and support over the last year. Your cheers, encouragement, and attendance at our games is noticed, and certainly is appreciated by all of us in the athletics family. I wish you the best, and look forward to seeing you at one of our many games next year.

Sincerely,

Gene Doris, Athletics Director

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Lending a Hand

t’s been this way for centuries. Since the 1500s, Jesuit education has provided students with the opportunity to grow I as individuals, both academically and spiritually. One cannot just develop the mind, but must also exercise the spirit and the body in order to achieve harmony and become a complete person. The purpose of a Jesuit education is not to prepare a student for a particular vocation. The purpose of a Jesuit education is to prepare a student for life within the global community. Student-athletes also live by this doctrine. They understand that they must train their bodies for athletic success and their minds for academic achievement, but also realize that they hold a social responsibility to the greater community. Every year, Fairfield University student-athletes reached out to the Fairfield and Bridgeport communities on a daily basis through community service projects, such as Read-A-Loud days, and Hunger Cleanup. They also became involved in mentoring opportunities by coaching youth teams or tutoring in the local school systems. Fairfield student-athletes reach out not because it is a Men’s basketball student-athlete Colin Nickerson and his fellow requirement by a coach or administrator. They reach out because it student-athletes participated in the annual Read-A-Loud day. is part of who they are as students pursuing a Jesuit education. It is this belief that separates a Fairfield University student-athlete from their peers. “I feel like I’m doing a good deed so it makes me feel good as well,” Taryn Johnson, a sophomore on the women’s basketball team, Johnson said. “I like to read so I enjoy sharing that experience with the completed a day at Cesar Batalla Elementary School in Bridgeport children. I never had anyone do this when I was in school. So, to be able during the season. For her, it wasn’t about recognition. It was to maybe make a difference in someone’s life is a very special thing.” more about giving back to the community through one of her true Specialness is part of being in a community. The ability to stand pleasures – reading. on your own two feet to try and accomplish something that no one else thought possible is a true adrenalin rush. It’s also quite scary. But somehow, it seems possible, because, although you are standing on your own two feet, you know as a member of a community that someone has your back. When the Fairfield University golf teams decided to create a fundraising and awareness campaign for breast cancer, there was that uncertainty associated with starting something new. The Stags raised money for every par or better they shot in the final round of each tournament they played in this season by seeking pledges or straight donations from family and friends. And, the Stags wore a pink golf shirt for that final round, a non-traditional uniform for a college team. Yet, like any community, their fellow golfers embraced the idea and helped the Stags with their efforts against breast cancer. “The players were surprised at the overwhelming response that they have gotten from the other teams,” said Roberto. “The other teams think that it is a wonderful thing we are doing and I am glad that my players have had the chance to hear the nice things being said.” A Jesuit education does not just exist in the moment. It exists in Women’s tennis student-athlete Paulina Rys drops a pair of shoes into the hearts and minds of student-athletes. And by being part of their the Soles 4 Souls collection box. person, a Jesuit education becomes a way of life, something that 3

The Stags raised money for every par or better they shot in the final round of each tournament they play in this season by seeking pledges or straight donations from family and friends. carries through every facet of one’s development as a human being. this world by utilizing their talents and skills to help corporations Many students join Fairfield’s Living and Learning Communities and organizations reach their goals. Those talents and skills are so they can become fully immersed into their Jesuit experience. The acquired through interaction with faculty and staff that not only Living and Learning Communities create a multicultural community teach Jesuit practices, but also live it. It is this interaction that across campus, building on the Fairfield University strategic vision allows Fairfield students to excel in the real world. of integrating learning through a variety of intentional residential Women’s lacrosse senior Kate Reardon accepted an internship learning programs. Bethany and Amanda Steiger, sisters on the with the Connecticut Special Olympics during the fall semester. Stags volleyball team, are part of the Service for Justice community. She looked at the position as an opportunity to reach out to those The Service for Justice experience is a community based in need as well as gain practical experience for when she graduated on exploring questions of diversity and social justice. Through and joined the work force. She never envisioned that her life would conversations, reflection and action of students, faculty, and change during those 12 weeks with Special Olympics. mentors with one another, the hope of this community is to Reardon learned that she enjoyed helping and working with appreciate historical context of and passion for social justice, individuals who may have special needs. As a result, she changed understand diversity and all its manifestations, communicate with course and enrolled in graduate school to obtain a degree in special others about and across differences, and take action and become education. Perhaps there is no greater example of Jesuit education change agents. in practice than Reardon’s desire to put others and their needs in “We are discovering ourselves through helping others,” Bethany front of her own. Steiger said about her Living and Learning Community experience. As you peruse the pages of this year’s annual report, you will “We accomplish this discovery through community service and read more about our student-athletes and coaches. You will learn through mentoring meetings. I believe that by bettering ourselves, about others who have also embraced the ideology of a Jesuit we are bettering the community.” education. You will see how Fairfield University continues to turn For some, bettering the community may become a way of life, its strategic plan and mission from words on a page into action and a true testament to a Jesuit education. By reaching out as interns results. and graduates, Fairfield student-athletes make a difference in

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Rev. Victor F. Leeber, S.J. In Memoriam Rev. W. Laurence O’Neil, S.J.

o give your life in service is perhaps one of the greatest several teams, frequently traveling to away games. In 1992, he was sacrifices one can make. It’s a deed of selflessness, perhaps inducted into the Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame and in 2003 Tthe ultimate act of altruism. While they may not have agreed, was honored at The Fairfield Awards Dinner with the Honorary there may be no other words better suited to describe Rev. Victor Alumnus Award. F. Leeber, S.J. and Rev. W. Laurence O’Neil, S.J., than selfless or After receiving his Hall of Fame induction, Fr. Leeber commented, altruistic. Both men served the athletics department as chaplain “I rejoice that I was able to play a small part when we were just and counselor of student athletes. They lifted the spirits of beginning. Well begun is half done.” thousands of student-athletes over the years, something they took pride in until their deaths during the 2009 “Everyone just loved Fr. Leeber. He had a great calendar year. Fr. Leeber, who passed away in sense of humor and a great loyalty to our student- August at the age of 87, was a member of the original faculty that greeted athletes. They could always depend on him for his students when Fairfield University opened its doors in 1947. He was good counsel and encouragement.” dubbed the “Father of Athletics” for his role in starting varsity athletics at the — Athletics Director gene Doris University. Athletics Director Gene Doris said, “Everyone just loved Fr. Leeber. He had a great sense of humor and a great loyalty to our student-athletes. They could always depend on him for his good counsel and encouragement.” Fr. Leeber entered the Jesuits in 1940 and was ordained a priest in 1953. During his 45 years at Fairfield University, Fr. Leeber founded and chaired, for 26 years, the modern languages and literature department, where he taught Spanish, French and Italian to generations of students. He also is credited with founding five varsity sports programs and was chaplain and mentor to scores of student-athletes. Surveying Fairfield University’s pristine 200-acre campus in 1947, he envisioned cross country running trails and urged then- President James Dolan, S.J., to let him start a cross country running team. He went on to found track, football, men’s and women’s swimming, and men’s basketball programs at Fairfield. Fr. Leeber with the 1947 team. “Fr. Leeber was one of the most caring people I have ever met, and one of the biggest sports fans around,” said Jonathan Basti, ’99, M ’02, a four-year letter winner with the Stags lacrosse team. “He Fr. O’Neil joined the Department of Athletics in the summer of loved the Stags and everything about them. Whether it was being 2006. He was particularly effective in his position as chaplain to on the sidelines for football games, on the bench for basketball, or student-athletes, and came to be well-loved by players, coaches, in our locker room before games giving the prayer, he was always and the Athletic Center staff. His office on the second floor of the around and looking to help in any way that he could.” Walsh Athletic Center was frequented by those who sought his In 2005, the Stags’ annual cross country invitational held on advice and counsel. campus was renamed the Fr. Victor F. Leeber Invitational. The bib “It was fun to talk to him – he had a good sense of humor and emblazoned with the number “1” was officially retired in Fr. Leeber’s a gentle heart,” said women’s basketball player Sarah Paulus. honor and will not be worn by another runner again. “There were times I would just stop in for a quick hello and still be Fr. Leeber retired from teaching in 1992, but remained active chatting with him 20 minutes later. He was just always there for a as a tutor and mentor to student-athletes. He was chaplain to friendly hello.” 5

“Father [O’Neil] was one of the most unselfish people I’ve ever met in my life. He devoted himself to this school. He wanted to better everyone and I definitely think he did. I don’t think this place would be the same without him.”

— field hockey player Molly Byrnes

Fr. O’Neil with the women’s basketball team.

“He was always there for me. Any time I was sick, he’d call scholarship was named for Fr. Leeber through the generosity of and make sure I was okay,” remembers field hockey player Molly alumnus and former trustee William Egan and his wife Jacalyn. Byrnes. “Father was one of the most unselfish people I’ve ever met In addition, former students recognized him with an anonymous in my life. He devoted himself to this school. He wanted to better donation - a statue of the Blessed Mother nestled in a grotto everyone and I definitely think he did. I don’t think this place would near the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, along with a nearby bench for be the same without him.” reflection at the statue. Fr. O’Neil followed in the path of three uncles when he entered The scholarships are a lasting tribute to Fathers Leeber and the Society of Jesus in 1948. His first teaching assignment as a O’Neil, and allow many students to continue their education and Jesuit in 1955 was at Fairfield Prep where he later said his Jesuit pursuit of a better life. There could be no better tribute to two men vocation was confirmed. After three years of teaching at Prep and who gave and provided so much for so many for so long. working as the Assistant Athletic Director, Fr. O’Neil left for five years of Jesuit studies, returning to Prep as Dean of Students. After earning a master’s degree in Adolescent Psychology from Fairfield University, he was asked to establish a formal guidance program at Fairfield Prep. In 1972, Fr. O’Neil was appointed Director of Career Counseling at Fairfield University. Over a span of 15 years, he encouraged, promoted, and guided thousands of students as they made the transition from the University into careers and lives of service. A one-year assignment in 1986 as Dean of Students, turned into seven years in that position before his appointment as International Student Adviser in 1993. Both men continue to make an impact on the University through scholarships that have been established in their names. The first scholarship in Father Leeber’s named came in 1992, through the generosity of countless friends, family, faculty and staff. That same year, Fr. O’Neil’s sister, Eileen Stanley, and her husband John, established the Rev. W. Laurence O’Neil, S.J. Scholarship Athletes memorialized the Jesuits by wearing a patch on their Stag to help students with financial need. Eight years later, a second uniforms.

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Postseason Play

he Fairfield University Department of Athletics saw 16 giving Fairfield its first lead since 6-5 3:15 into the game, as the percent of its varsity programs play in their respective Stags pulled away for a 101-96 victory. The Stags miracle run Tconference postseason championship, with six programs ended six nights later in Omaha, Neb., with a 73-55 defeat at the advancing to the conference championship game. Three squads hands of Creighton University. – women’s tennis, women’s basketball and men’s basketball – The women’s basketball team was selected to play in the continued play past the conference level with berths in national inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI) and in the process postseason tournament action. hosted the first-ever national postseason tournament game in program history. Stephanie Geehan tallied 24 points, along with 10 rebounds and five blocked shots, as the fifth-seeded Stags upset #4 seed Towson University, 69-55, at Alumni Hall, for the program’s first national postseason victory. The Stags, who won 10 of their final 12 games, saw their season come to a close with a 59-36, loss to eventual WBI Champion, Appalachian State. The rowing programs also found postseason success at the Dad Vail Regatta. The women’s novice four captured the gold medal at the prestigious event, while the women’s pair took silver and the men’s pair secured bronze. The pairs each struck gold at the 2010 MAAC Championship as well. In total during 2009-10, ten Stags were named to All-MAAC Tournament Teams, highlighted by the selection of Dana Postupack, as Most Outstanding Performer at the women’s tennis championship. There were numerous other noteworthy efforts from Stags The women’s tennis team, for the second straight season, teams during MAAC postseason play. The volleyball team appeared captured the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) in its 14th consecutive MAAC Championship, while the men’s tennis Tournament crown. The top-seeded Stags breezed into their third team played in the championship match for the third consecutive consecutive title match with a 7-0 win over #8 Saint Peter’s in the year. The men’s cross country team placed fifth at its MAAC quarterfinals and a 4-0 win over #5 seed Loyola in the semifinals. Championship, its best finish since 1997, while the women’s golf Second-seeded Marist awaited Fairfield in the title match, and team finished as the conference runner-up. after securing the doubles point, the Stags won three individual matches, for a 4-1 triumph. For the second consecutive season, the Stags were sent to the west coast for their NCAA Tournament berth, being matched up with the nationally-seeded Cardinal of Stanford. The Stags represented themselves well on the Cardinal home court, falling 4-0 to the eventual national champs. The men’s and women’s basketball teams both advanced to the championship game of the 2010 Citizens Bank MAAC Championship, and gave top-seeded Siena and Marist all they could handle, before falling. However, on the strength of their regular season efforts, both teams were invited to play in postseason tournaments. The men’s basketball team found itself matched up with George Mason in the opening round of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) and found themselves behind by 27, 63-36, with 16 minutes remaining in regulation. The Stags mounted what would become the greatest comeback in Division I postseason history, on the back of a program-record nine three-pointers from Mike Evanovich, to Women’s lacrosse players Erin Rigby, Kristen Coleman and Renee force overtime at 87-87. Anthony Johnson scored first in overtime, L’Heureux, members of the 2010 MAAC All-Tournament Team. 7

The men’s and women’s basketball teams both advanced to the championship game of the 2010 Citizens Bank MAAC Championship … both teams were invited to play in postseason tournaments.

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Living and Learning Communities

he main tenet of Fairfield University’s mission is the LLCs also take part in a retreat each semester, usually an overnight, education of the whole person – body, mind and spirit. It is where the entire group is able to spend the period of time in Twith this in mind that the University has undertaken Living discussion and reflection. and Learning Communities (LLCs) for students at every stop of their “Being an athlete did not ever really affect my participation collegiate journey. in the community this year,” said Paulus, “and I only had to miss LLCs are available each year for Fairfield’s undergraduate one retreat due to a game in Buffalo. There were meetings once students. In addition to traditional residence hall options, the LLCs a month that everyone went to in small groups and one retreat aim to transform the entire Fairfield University culture - involving each semester; however, other than that it was up to the individual faculty, administrators, students, and staff. The LLCs create a person how much they wanted to be involved.” multicultural community across campus, building on the Fairfield University strategic vision of integrating learning through a variety of intentional “It far exceeded my expectations in community housing programs. Women’s basketball player Sarah Paulus ’12 was meeting people, being exposed to part of the Service for Justice Community during the 2009-10 academic year. It is one of five sophomore current issues and becoming more residential colleges that she joined approximately 65 other students in Jogues Hall during the year. aware of the problems that people The hope of the Service for Justice community – which was started for the 2008-09 academic year – face in our world every day.” is that its members will gain an appreciation of the historical context of and passion for social justice, — Sarah Paulus understand diversity, communicate with others about and across differences, and take action and become agents of change. The community Anthony Caserta ’12, a member of the men’s swimming team, accomplishes those goals through conversation and reflection of lived in the Ignatian Residential College in Loyola Hall during the students, faculty, and mentors. his sophomore year. With his swimming schedule, participating “I was not sure what to expect going into the community,” in the community events planned through the community was Paulus said. “It far exceeded my expectations in meeting people, challenging – and forced him to miss one of the two planned being exposed to current issues and becoming more aware of the retreats. problems that people face in our world every day.” “What I realized is that in a Living and Learning Community you As with everything student-athletes have to handle during their get out what you put into it,” he said. “If you decide to ‘go through collegiate careers, being part of a living and learning community the motions’ and only do what is required then you will not get much included balancing another activity in an already busy schedule. out of the program. On the other hand, if you make an effort to The LLCs have no set requirements for the time commitment of follow the program and open yourself up, you will get a lot out of it.” each participating student. Tiffany Lawson ’13, a member of the Stags softball team, will be The most time-demanding aspect of being in a LLC is that you a member of the Service for Justice Community this coming year. live in the same dorm as those in the community with you. That She is excited about how the opportunity to spend time with a new allows the students to engage on a daily basis on the topics that group of people will affect her educational experience. interest them as a group, as well as applying the lessons learned “I think that the community will give me a chance to open up in the classroom to everyday life. Each LLC has a list of academic and meet new people,” she said. “This helps my college experience courses that apply to its particular mission, and helps the students because I get a chance to move away from my circle of friends and take a deeper look into the issues that are presented. branch out.” In addition, the students take part in meetings amongst The opportunity to meet new people is what made joining a themselves, as well as with mentors from outside the community. residential college most appealing to Caserta. Those mentors help shape the discussion of the group, while “The most intriguing thing for me was the opportunity to meet allowing the students to fully explore their areas of interest. The new people,” he said. “At the end of freshman year I felt that I was 9

only spending time with my teammates and Loyola [Hall] was an opportunity for me to meet new people.” “This helps my college With her year in the community already behind her, Paulus can speak to the friendships that a LLC can foster. experience because I get a “I met people I do not think I would have become friends with or ever talked to, had it not been for the social gatherings, lectures chance to move away from and retreats we attended,” she said. “I am fortunate that I had the chance to meet and talk to people about serious issues that affect my circle of friends and our society.” For Paulus, the experience has encouraged her to continue her branch out.” journey in the residential college model. She and her housemates will continue to develop what they learned in the past year as part — Tiffany Lawson of a Build-A-House which will have the same theme – Service for Justice. The community, now a more intimate group in a Caserta also looks back on his year in the Ignatian Residential townhouse, will try to raise awareness about social justice and the College fondly and would recommend it to his friends and issues it presents. teammates. “Last year helped me grow and realize that we live in a small “If you are looking to have a unique Fairfield experience, meet part of the world,” she said, “and that we need to become more new people, and come to a deeper understanding of who you aware of the issues and educate ourselves, if we really seek to are, and who you are called to be, then a Living and Learning make a difference. It starts through becoming aware of issues that Community would be the right community for you.” not only affect us.”

“If you are looking to have a unique Fairfield experience, meet new people, and come to a deeper understanding of who you are, and who you are called to be, then a Living and Learning Community would be the right community for you.” — Anthony caserta

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Fall Highlights

Adrienne Boyer

Matthew Uy Women’s Soccer • Fairfield finished the 2009 campaign with a 9-9-3 overall record and a 4-2-3 mark in MAAC play, good for third place. The win total marked Men’s Soccer the fifth time in as many years that Jim O’Brien has led the Stags to • The Stags had five players earn All-MAAC postseason recognition, headlined at least that many wins in a season. by Jack Cleverley, Matthew Uy and Michael O’Keeffe’s selection to the first • Senior Bridget Nerich equaled the program’s single-game saves team. Erik Ilisije and Christian Uy were both voted to the second team by the record against Loyola on Senior Day, stopping 14 shots. league’s head coaches. • Jasmin Corniel was named to the NSCAA All-Northeast Region • Jack Burridge led the Stags with 20 points and eight goals, putting him Second Team after leading the Stags in scoring (25 points), and seventh on the Stags single-season point and goals list. After just two goals scored (10). The Stags have had an All-Region selection in four seasons with the Stags, he is tied for 12th on the all-time goals list with 13, consecutive seasons and now have 10 all-time. while his 30 career points is eight shy of breaking into the career top-10 in • Corniel headlined the Stags All-MAAC honorees as well, being joined that category as well. by Spenser Allaway and Alyssa Decker on the first team. Adrienne • The Stags finished the season at 9-6-2 overall and with a 5-2-2 mark in league Boyer, Kelly Boudreau and Nicole Cavallaro were all voted to the All- play – finishing in third place. Fairfield advanced to the MAAC Tournament MAAC second team, while Rachel Madasci earned All-MAAC Rookie for the 11th time in the last dozen years, and were led by All-Tournament team accolades. team selections Erik Ilisije and Matthew Uy in the program’s fifth consecutive • Fairfield had seven players earn All-MAAC Academic Team selection. semifinal appearance, where the Stags fell to eventual champion Loyola. Senior’s Chrissie Sidie and Lisa Haylon, and sophomores Allaway, Kaitlin Denis, Bri Miller, Brittany Putnam and Jackie Taylor, all posted cumulative GPA’s over 3.20. 11

Volleyball • Katie Mann was named to the All-MAAC first team for the third consecutive season and did not miss a single set during her storied four-year career. She finished her career in the top-10 in 10 different categories and was the all-time leader in block assists (349) and attack percentage (.361). Mann is the only Stag to have accrued more than 400 or more total blocks and more than 1,400 kills over the course of their career. • The Stags posted a 16-2 record in MAAC play, to capture their sixth consecutive conference regular season crown. Fairfield has now Melanie Leo won 11 MAAC Regular Season crowns in the history of the program Field Hockey • Brianna Dixion became the sixth • Eight members of the squad — Taylor Callahan, Kaitlyn Stag in program history to be named Devlin, Leah Furey, Melanie Leo, Carly McCullough, Annie the MAAC Rookie of the Year — Nieuwenhuis, Jill Piacquadio and Marit Westenberg — were and the first since 2004 — as well named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association as being named to the All-MAAC (NFHCA) National Academic Squad. The Stags also received second team. She finished the the Academic All-America Team award for having a team GPA of campaign averaging 3.00 kills, 2.41 over 3.0. digs and 0.54 blocks per set. Brianna Dixion • Senior Carly McCullough was named to the America East • The 2009 season was the 25th Second Team for the third consecutive season, after finishing varsity campaign for the Stags, the year second on the team with six points. She scored five with 11 MAAC Regular Season championships, five goals on the year, including the game-winner, in overtime, at MAAC Tournament titles, five NCAA Tournament home versus Ball State. appearances, accrued 435 wins, and a .549 all-time winning percentage. • Sophomore Leah Furey became the third Stag, in the team’s three-years as a member of the America East, to be named to the All-Rookie Team. She played in all 17 games that Fairfield appeared in, starting 15 times.

Cross Country • For the second consecutive year the cross country teams were honored with the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team honors. It marks the second consecutive season that the men’s team has been recognized by the organization. All 17 members of the men’s squad, and 12 of 14 women’s runners, had at least a 3.0 GPA during the Fall 2009 semester. • Kristen Golen clocked the Stags’ fastest-ever 5K time at Van Cortlandt Park, 19:32.6, in placing 54th at the IC4A/ ECAC Championships. The team had six other runners also clock times that placed them in the top-20 in program history on the course that day. • Steve Flanagan was named the MAAC Cross Country Runner of the Week on September 14 after capturing the individual title, and leading the Stags to the team title at the 2nd Annual Fairfield Invitational. The sophomore ran a personal-best time of 26:23 and became the first runner in program history to earn the league’s weekly honor. • Both squads improved upon their 2008 MAAC Championship finishes, with the men moving up two spots to claim fifth place, and the women moving up a spot, to finish sixth. It was the men’s best finish since 1997 (third place), and equaled the women’s best finish since 2004, when the championship was held at Walt Disney World. Steve • The Stags had a dozen student-athletes – six women and six men – named to the MAAC All-Academic Team. Flanagan

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Community Outreach

tudent-athletes are often expected to bring recognition to Girl Scout Day their respective universities by winning games or capturing For the tenth straight year, Fairfield hosted Girl Schampionships. While Fairfield University strives for Scout Day on February 1. The Stags welcomed victories on the field, once the student-athletes step off, they are over 130 Girl Scouts to Alumni Hall for the opportunity to meet the Stags female student- asked to live out the Jesuit ideals and give back to the community athletes. The Girl Scouts participated in clinics which supports them. That altruism extends not only to the with 10 of the Stags varsity teams, providing student-athletes but to the coaches as well. them an opportunity to be introduced to new Throughout 2009-2010, Fairfield’s coaches and student- and different athletic opportunities. athletes banded together to undertake new community outreach projects in addition to the activities in which they are passionately Putting For Pink involved. In the fall, when Director of Golf Len Roberto learned that The men’s and women’s golf teams helped raise awareness for the fight against a family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, he put together breast cancer in several ways throughout the season. Fairfield had a pink ribbon, symbolic of the cause, embroidered on the collar of their competition the Putting For Pink program to raise money for Rally For The shirts courtesy of Fairway & Greene. In addition, the Stags wore pink shirts Cure®, the largest supporter of the Susan G. Komen for a Cure during the final round of each event, used Rally for the Cure ball marks at their Foundation. When men’s lacrosse player Sean Bannon watched events, and shared ball markers, pins, and information with opponents they a clip about the Friends of Jaclyn program, he approached Head were paired with in the final round. The final round of each event was the Stags’ Coach Andrew Copelan about adopting a local child fighting cancer. Putting for Pink round. Fans, family, and friends were asked to pledge any amount for each hole of par or better their selected player scored in the final When Amanda Sullivan lost a friend during the Haiti earthquake round of each tournament. In all, more than $3500 was raised. and had another lose her home to fire, her field hockey teammates sprang into action, raising money for one family and donating Fairfield Swimming clothes to the other. – Hawaiian Style In all, the Stags participated in nearly 30 community service The men’s and women’s swimming activities ranging from donation drives to fundraising walks to team spent the fall providing youth clinics to working with local schoolchildren to cleaning up swimming lessons in order to the environment. The Stags reach went far beyond Connecticut and fundraise for their winter training touched many lives. trip to Hawaii. The Stags took time out of their training and fun in the sun to spend time teaching techniques to a fledgling swim team at the Farrington School.

Sticking It To Cancer The women’s lacrosse team took the model which the golf team created for raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. The March 21 game against Cal was designated as the Sticking It To Cancer game. Both teams wore pink shoe laces and used a pink ball to show support. Fairfield and Cal asked their fans and supporters to pledge any amount per point and assist recorded by either team, or both teams, during the contest. More than $1500 was raised in the Stags’ 18-14 victory to benefit Rally for the Cure.

Stags In the Schools All of Fairfield’s athletic teams participated in numerous reading days at local ECO-Break schools as well as the National Read Aloud Day at the Cesar Batalia School Women’s swimmers Barbara Mangino and Aly Criscuolo and cross country in Bridgeport. The cheer team volunteered for an afterschool program at The runner Emily Davis spent their Spring Break on a service trip in Massachusetts. Sherman School while other student-athletes participated in a career fair at The ECO-Break trip was to the Agape Community in Ware, Massachusetts. The the Roosevelt School in Bridgeport. Fairfield also announced its partnership week’s activities focused on peace and the environment, allowing them to learn with the Bridgeport public schools for the Bridgeport’s Brightest program in addition to serving the community. The service aspect included working on which honors city students for their academic performance in the Connecticut the sustainable community/farm, hauling logs, filtering grease into the grease Mastery Test (CMT) and Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). The car (a car that runs on vegetable oil), tilling the gardens, composting, and program is an effort to encourage and reward high achievement in the two state clipping brush. tests as well as overall academic achievement by the individual schools. 13

Park City SportsFest Friends of Jaclyn The Stags wrapped up the spring season by participating in the Fifth Annual The men’s lacrosse team, in Park City SportsFest sponsored by People’s United Bank in downtown conjunction with the Friends Bridgeport. The men’s and women’s soccer teams demonstrated kicking and of Jaclyn (FOJ) Foundation, passing drills, members of the women’s basketball played hoops with the kids, adopted seven-year-old Ryan and the Fairfield dance team took the main stage for an energetic routine. Tucker during a ceremony in January. The FOJ program Donation Drives matches a child suffering from pediatric cancer with a college The Athletics Department sponsored numerous donation drives throughout the or high school sports team year. The Stags collected toys for a drive at Bridgeport Hospital, stuffed bears based on geographic location. for Fairfield’s Teddy Bears With Love initiative, and canned goods for Stags Ryan, who has a brain tumor, was In the Pantry. The women’s teams turned their road trips into support for the made an official team member, Center For Women and Families of Fairfield County as they collected shampoo, receiving his own locker in the conditioner, and soap from their hotel stays. Fairfield also sponsored the United Walsh Athletic Center, complete Way Healthy Baby Diaper Drive and the Back Pack program. with memorabilia and a Fairfield lacrosse jersey. Ryan was on the sideline for numerous home games and still receives e-mails, text messages and letters from all of the Stags.

Give 2 The Troops For the third consecutive year, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) participated in the “Stags Boxes for the Soldiers” program. All 20 Stags varsity athletic teams collected food, movies, and other goods for the U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. In December, each team was responsible for filling two Youth Clinics boxes with items for troops overseas and had the opportunity to include personal Many teams participated in clinics, which taught local youth teams the touches, such as letters and notes. Overall, the Stags collected approximately 40 techniques of their respective sports. The field hockey team put on clinics for boxes of goods and delivered the items to a Give 2 The Troops collection. the Trumbull Youth League and hosted a Fairfield Police Athletic Youth League tournament and clinic, an event in which teams all over Connecticut and even Harlem, N.Y. came to campus. The men’s lacrosse coaching staff participated in a clinic in Tolland, Conn. to benefit the Jack McGetrick Fund. The Stags coaching staff joined coaches from several other New England schools to help raise money to support McGetrick, the Bellarmine men’s lacrosse coach battling cancer.

Soles4Souls The Athletics Department sponsored the Soles4Souls shoe drive during the fall and collected more than 100 pairs of gently worn shoes during select volleyball and men’s soccer games. Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects and distributes shoes free of charge to people. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 5.5 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes to people in over 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States. Relay For Life/Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Compete For Every team participated in the 2010 Relay For Life held on campus in May. As A Cure Cheer a University, more than $37,500 was raised for the American Cancer Society. and Dance Several teams also participated in October’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk held in Westport. Competition The Fairfield dance team was declared the Grand Serving The Community Champions of the Fourth Dozens of student-athletes participated in community service events that not Annual Compete For A only helped their neighbors but the environment as well. The Stags participated Cure Cheer and Dance in the University-sponsored Hunger Clean-Up, a one-day serve-a-thon that had Competition held at students, faculty, and staff doing odd jobs, stocking food pantries, and doing Torrington High School in spring clean-ups for more than 40 local agencies. Participants raised money February. Proceeds from the for a national program to end hunger. The Stags also participated in the Rake event supported St. Jude’s and Bake in Brookfield, helping the elderly with yard work and other chores, and Children’s Hospital. volunteered at soup kitchens and at Prospect House.

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

2009–10 Calendar

July 2009 November 2009 • Ahna Johnson earned the Metro • The men’s soccer team hosted the 2009 MAAC Tournament at Lessing Field. Atlantic Athletic Conference • The volleyball team captured the 2009 MAAC Regular-Season Championship (MAAC) Female Student- and advanced to the MAAC Tournament before losing in the semifinal round. Athlete of the Year • The men’s basketball team played in the inaugural Connecticut 6 Classic, defeating Central Connecticut State University in the August 2009 one-night tripleheader. The Classic, which includes the University of Hartford, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, • Women’s soccer opened and Yale University, will continue at the Mohegan Sun Arena in the 2009-10 season against November, 2010. nationally-ranked Boston College. Fairfield athletic teams faced a nationally- December 2009 ranked opponent 11 times • More than 350 student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA or higher in the fall in 2009-10. semester, including nearly 120 student-athletes who received Dean’s List designation. September 2009 • Head Men’s and Women’s Golf • More than 30 events were Coach Len Roberto received televised over the internet a full PGA membership by during the Fall season as part of vote of the organization’s the athletics department contract members. with B2 Networks. • Field hockey head coach Jackie January 2010 Kane earned her 100th career win • Women’s basketball raised with a 5-4 overtime victory against over $1,500 for breast cancer Ball State University. research with an auction • The men’s and women’s golf teams at its January 16 game. unveiled their Putting for Pink The event was part of the program which would raise Women’s Basketball Coaches more than $3,500 over the Association’s (WBCA) Pink course of 2009-10. Zone promotion. Joe Michalisin • Men’s basketball Coach Len Roberto October 2009 defeated Loyola in a nationally-televised game on • Ed Cooley, Joe Frager, and Mary ESPNU. The game was played at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Ann Palazzi were inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. • The women’s swimming and diving team posted a 6-5 record, the program’s seventh straight winning season. • Nikki Jackson and Alyssa Ruiz captured the doubles flight at the New England Championship. • The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams traveled to Hawaii for its annual training trip. • The athletics e-newsletter made its debut, the first of 10 athletics electronic communications which included feature stories, season previews and reviews, as well as alumni updates February 2010 • “Stags Country” began this month, a 30-minute television sports magazine • Michelle Yoshida won three events at the 2010 MAAC Swimming and Diving show that was shown three times during the year. The show was nominated Championships, the second straight season in which the swimmer tallied for a New England Emmy award as well as two Sports Media awards. three victories at the event. • The swimming and diving teams were honored for academic achievement by College Swimming Coaches Association of America with a Team Scholar Athlete All-America award. • Women’s basketball upset Marist College in a regionally-televised game from the Arena at Harbor Yard. 15

March 2010 May 2010 • The men’s and women’s basketball teams won 20 games each, the first time • Men’s basketball senior Anthony Johnson and women’s volleyball senior Katie that both teams hit that mark in the same season. The two squads also Mann were selected as Fairfield University’s Athletes of the Year by vote of advanced to postseason play with the men playing in the CollegeInsider. the 20 head coaches. com Post-Season Tournament and the women participating in the Women’s • Women’s lacrosse captured the MAAC Regular Season championship and Basketball Invitational. Both teams won a game in their respective advanced to the MAAC tournament semifinals. tournaments. • Former student-athlete Brett Maron made her debut in goal for the Atlanta • The men’s lacrosse team defeated third-ranked University of Notre Dame in Beat, a team in the Women’s Professional Soccer League. Houston. The win vaulted the Stags into the national rankings. • Men’s soccer defender Jack Cleverley, women’s golfer Annie Sperandio, and • The men’s basketball team set an NCAA record for largest postseason men’s lacrosse midfielder Sean Bannon attended the NCAA Sports Forum, a comeback by turning a 27-point deficit into an overtime win against George four-day event through which student-athletes explore and learn about career Mason. opportunities in sports with an emphasis on collegiate athletics • Women’s rowing novice 4 won Fairfield’s first-ever gold medal at Dad Vail April 2010 regatta, one of three medals won by the two programs. The women’s rowing pair secured a silver medal, while the men’s pair captured bronze for the • Head Men’s Basketball Coach second straight year. The three medals raised the program’s medal count to Ed Cooley received the first six in its history of competing at Dad Vail. Ben Jobe Award, presented annually to the top minority men’s basketball coach in the June 2010 nation. He was presented the • The NCAA honored three Fairfield University award at the NCAA Final Four athletic teams with its annual Academic in Indianapolis. Performance Program. Men’s cross • Head Softball Coach Julie country and softball earned the Brzezinski collected her award for the third straight season, 600th career win as the while women’s tennis received the Stags won the first game of a recognition for doubleheader against Siena the second College consecutive • Women’s tennis won the 2010 year. Coach Ed Cooley MAAC regular season and • Joe Marra tournament championships, became the ninth earning its second straight Fairfield men’s lacrosse trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Stags would travel to eighth-seeded player to be drafted when Stanford University for its first-round match. the Chicago Machine picked • Field Hockey placed eight student-athletes on the National Field Hockey him in the Major League Coaches Association’s National Academic Squad. Lacrosse Collegiate Draft • Stephanie Geehan and Anthony Johnson earned a spot on the All-National Jesuit Spotlight teams, while Derek Needham collected honorable mention Katie Mann , winner of honors Female Athlete of the Year Award, with Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. President.

Joe Marra

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

2009–10 Winter Highlights

Mike Evanovich Desiree Pina

Women’s Basketball • Fairfield won 20 games for the second time under third-year Head Coach Joe Frager. • The squad received a berth to the Women’s Basketball Invitational, and posted the program’s first national postseason win in school history against Towson University. • Stephanie Geehan received the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, and became Men’s Basketball the first student-athlete in school and MAAC • The Stags won 23 games and advanced to the MAAC tournament championship game. history to block 100 shots in a season (118) and established a school and MAAC record with 269 • The team accepted an invitation to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. blocks. • Fairfield posted the largest postseason comeback in Division I history by erasing a 27-point • The Stags posted a nine-game win streak second-half deficit to defeat George Mason University in overtime. that sent the Stags to the MAAC Tournament • Head Coach Ed Cooley earned the inaugural Ben Jobe Award, given to the top minority coach in championship game, the longest streak under Division I basketball. Frager. • Derek Needham earned the MAAC Rookie of the Year award after setting a conference record • Stephanie Geehan (first team) and Desiree with 10 Rookie of the Week awards. He was also placed on the CollegeInsider.com Freshman Pina (third team) gained All-MAAC honors, All-America team. while Katelyn Linney earned MAAC All-Rookie • Mike Evanovich set a school record with nine three-point field goals in the win over George accolades. Mason, which helped him secure the MAAC Sixth Man award. • Joelle Nawrocki and Sarah Paulus were named • Anthony Johnson accepted the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the to the MAAC All-Academic team. conference in blocked shots. • Coach Joe Frager gained a contract extension • Sean Grzeck and Ryan Olander were named to the MAAC All-Academic team. through the 2015-16 season. • Coach Ed Cooley gained a contract extension through the 2015-16 season. 17

Women’s Swimming and Diving • The team finished seventh in the MAAC Championships and set 20 school records during the campaign. • The women’s squad posted a 6-5 record in dual meet competition, the seventh straight season in which the team recorded a winning percentage of .500 or better. • Michelle Yoshida and Cacky Keating secured MAAC Swimmer of the Week during the season. • Michelle Yoshida won three MAAC individual titles for the second straight season, defending her title in the 100 yard free, 50 yard free, and 200 yard free. • The program earned the Team Scholar All-America award from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. • Sasha Campbell, Alyssa Conroy, Aly Criscuolo, Brenna Dean, Samantha Distler, Teresa Garrity, Norah Gentile, Emily Kelly, Barbara Mangino, Marina Meliones, Katie Merz, Megan Reilly, Allison Russoniello, and Wanda Szarek secured MAAC All-Academic team accolades. Cacky Keating

Men’s Swimming and Diving • Fairfield placed sixth in the MAAC championships and established 15 school records during the season. • The Stags posted a 5-5 record for their second straight season with a .500 or better record. • Paul Bimmler won two MAAC Swimmer of the Week awards, the only Stag to win the award twice during the season. • Taylor Stecko captured the one- and three-meter diving titles at the Cardinal Invitational, breaking his own school record with 317.05 points in the three-meter event. • The squad earned the Team Scholar All-America award from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. • George Bellizzi, Brett Carisio, Anthony Caserta, Jonathan O’Connor, Boris Romanovsky, and Andrew Thomsen collected MAAC All-Academic honors.

Paul Bimmler

Jesuit Basketball Spotlight • Fairfield University was part of the nationwide Jesuit Basketball Spotlight project, using Jesuit basketball to raise awareness of Jesuit education. The Jesuit Basketball Spotlight project highlights more than 90 games each season between men’s and women’s teams from 28 Jesuit colleges and universities across the United States. Each of the 28 Jesuit schools is dedicated to strong academics and teaching women and men to serve others and live a faith that does justice. • The men’s basketball team finished the regular season unbeaten against Jesuit schools with a 7-0 record, the most wins by any Jesuit school in the Jesuit Basketball Spotlight, before losing to Creighton in the second round of the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. • The women’s team posted a 6-1 record against Jesuit schools, placing them among the best in the Spotlight for 2009-10. • Stephanie Geehan, Anthony Johnson, and Derek Needham received national weekly honors from the Jesuit Basketball Spotlight during the season.

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Stags in the Real World

deal of hands-on experience,” Griswold said. “I learned so much in the last eight weeks of the clinical than all of my other experience combined. It gives you great insight into what it’s like to be a nurse.” The clinical experience is what makes Fairfield University’s School of Nursing stand out among other nursing schools. The demand of the course work and the experience gained through the internship makes the program difficult at times, but very rewarding. “The nursing school is very challenging,” Griswold said. “It’s completely worth the stress and challenges that the professors and clinicals provide us every day. Nursing students at Fairfield University get to do what nursing students at other schools do not get to do.” Nursing students are not the only ones that are given this unique opportunity. Piacquadio also secured a position with Jonathan O’Connor the same company with which she interned last summer. After spending the last two summers with the company, Piacquadio earned a position in General Electric’s Information Management ani Griswold saved lives. Jill Piacquadio saw the world. Leadership Program. Jonathan O’Connor opened the world to children. And, Kate As part of this program, she will develop technical and project D Reardon found herself. Four different student-athletes who management skills over the next two years. The program consists took four different paths to find a common destination – a brief but of four six-month rotations within GE corporate. beneficial stop in the real world. “I am intrigued by the idea of moving to a new location every All four student-athletes accepted internships within the last six months because of the exposure I will have to new teams and year that sent them to very different settings, but brought them upper management, plus getting to live in four different cities,” an experience that would help mold their lives. Griswold did her Piacquadio said. clinical work as a nursing major at Yale-New Haven’s Children’s She earned this opportunity based upon her performance as Hospital. Piacquadio led a team at General Electric that included an intern, where she experienced the excitement of the global members from the West Coast as well as India. O’Connor worked economy. She managed an off-shore team in India through the with a publishing company that specialized in children’s books. design, development, and testing of a new tool for GE Corporate’s And, Reardon was a coach and an administrator for the Connecticut Technical Service team. Her day began with a meeting with her off- Special Olympics. shore team which consisted of members in India and California. Fairfield University students are encouraged to apply for The biggest challenge of those meetings was working through three internships so that they may apply what they learn in the classroom different time zones. After the call, she would write up a summary to real world situations, gaining the experience necessary to secure and send it to her team. She would follow up by meeting with her a job when they graduate. For seniors like Griswold and Piacquadio, manager to relay the team’s progress. the internship helps them put their foot in the door. For juniors like “The internship was very challenging but I was impressed with O’Connor, the opportunity allows them to see if their dream job is all the amount of responsibility I was given,” Piacquadio said. “My role that they envisioned. And for others like Reardon, an internship can grew substantially as I returned for a second summer and was able turn their lives around with an unexpected revelation. to use all of the skills I developed to manage teams and oversee Griswold and Piacquadio turned their internship into a full-time several projects.” job upon graduation. Griswold spent her clinical hours at Yale-New Multitasking can be challenging for any professional, never Haven Hospital, working in the pediatric wing. She will continue her mind an intern who is testing the waters of a chosen profession. On work at the hospital after working with the staff for more than 200 one hand, being charged with several tasks provides a chance to hours over the last year. She spent most of her time in a transitional get a feel for all that a company offers. On the other hand, having to clinical where she worked directly with a registered nurse. handle multiple responsibilities lends itself to the adage ‘Jack of all “I really liked the transitional clinical because it gave me a great trades, master of none.’ Still, it seems for the most part, the interns 19

Kate Reardon Dani Griswold Jill Picaquadio

appreciate the ability to work with many professionals rather than Kate Reardon, a senior on the women’s lacrosse team, interned be stuck in the same old job day after day. with the Special Olympics during the Fall semester, looking to use O’Connor was one of the appreciative ones when he spent a her communication skills to benefit the non-profit organization. summer in a publishing firm. He was an editorial intern which But as with most non-profits, you go where you are needed, which included many responsibilities that even included time with the is not always what you were hired to do. marketing department. He spent some time as an editor, looking Rather than working in communications, Reardon was tapped over manuscripts that were submitted by authors from across the for her athletic abilities, knowledge and interests. During her four- country. He transcribed books into scripts which would eventually month stay, she organized events for the bowling competition as become audio books. And, he worked on the firm’s online shop well as the Penguin Plunge. She also coached one of the bowling through the marketing department. teams. The internship worked hand-in-hand with O’Connor’s love “Coaching was the coolest,” Reardon said. “I really enjoyed of the written word. He has been trying to revive The Sound, the interacting with the athletes.” University’s literary magazine which publishes short stories, While the opportunity did not lead to a job, it did help Reardon poems, and other works by students, faculty, and alumni. With his make a career decision. publishing experience both on and off campus, he found that this “Working with the Special Olympic athletes was a great could be a way to go in the future. experience,” Reardon said. “It helped show me that I have the desire “Publishing always interested me, but I wasn’t sure if I’d like it,” and patience to go into special education.” O’Connor said. “After the summer internship, I found that I could And so, Reardon, who graduated with a communications degree, do it for a career. I probably would not want to do children’s books. will head to graduate school for an elementary school degree with I could see myself as an editor, when I wasn’t working on my own an emphasis on special education. writing.” Whether it is a career as a nurse, corporate executive, publisher, For Griswold, Piacquadio, and O’Connor, the internship led them or teacher, Fairfield University continues to turn out students to a planned destination, albeit by somewhat different routes. For who are ready to make an immediate impact on a company, non- Reardon, the internship brought her to a fork in the road without profit, or organization. The training and skills they learned at the benefit of any road signs. While her mind may have told her to the University, as well as the experience through the internship go one way, she decided to follow her heart instead and take a path program, line up students for future success, providing a road map that went against her instincts. that will lead them to their chosen destination in the real world.

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Spring Highlights

Men’s Lacrosse Women’s Lacrosse • Fairfield went 8-6 on the season, marking the first back-to-back winning • The Fairfield women’s lacrosse team advanced campaigns for the program since 1998 and 1999. The Stags finished tied for to the MAAC Lacrosse League Championship third in the ECAC, posting a 4-3 record for the second straight year and tying for the third consecutive year. The Stags posted the program mark for conference wins. a 13-5 record on the year and ran their regular • The Stags had a five-game winning streak during the season in which they season MAAC unbeaten stretch to 18 games, Caitlin defeated Notre Dame, an NCAA Championship semifinalist, Colgate, Ohio the second-longest streak in program history. Young State, Hobart, and Bellarmine. • Midfielder Chloe Mangan was named the MAAC • Five Stags were named to the All-ECAC Lacrosse League teams. Sophomore Rookie of the Year, after finishing the season Brent Adams and senior Joe Marra were selected to the First Team while fourth on the team with 36 points (27 goals). A First-Team All-MAAC choice as Sean Bannon, Brendan well, Mangan won a team-best 38 draw controls on the year, and picked up 18 McTague, and Sam ground balls and caused 10 turnovers. Snow earned Second • Four other Stags earned First-Team All-MAAC honors in Brittany Bare, Kristen Team honors. The five Coleman, Renee L’Heureux and Caitlin Young. Earning spots on the All-MAAC selections in 2010 mark Second Team were Katie Keenan, Amy Kelleher and Kate Reardon. the total number of • For the third consecutive season, Kristen Coleman led the team in scoring, selections Fairfield had finishing with 79 points. Coleman now holds the top-three single season in its first four seasons in the scoring efforts. She also became the program’s all-time leader in goals, league. Adams and Bannon were assists and points during the season, leading the team in all three categories also named to the All-New England (57G, 22A) during the 2010 season. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) • Grad student Caitlin Young finished the season ranked first in the nation in First Team as well. caused turnovers per game (2.50). • Fairfield ranked as one of the stingiest • Senior Erin Rigby was selected to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse defensive teams in the nation. The Stags Coaches Association (IWLCA) North-South All-Star Game, a contest which finished the season ranked eighth in the features the top-40 seniors from across the nation. She played in 10 games nation in scoring defense, allowing 8.36 goals during her senior season and finished fifth on the team with 32 points. She per game. They were also ranked sixth in scored 22 of her 26 goals in the first five games of the year, suffering an ankle man-down defense. Individually, goalkeeper injury early in the game versus Lehigh. She returned for the final two games Joe Marra finished the year second in the of the regular season, and then touched net four times, with two assists in the country in save percentage (.597) and fifth in Brent MAAC Championship – earning All-Tournament Team honors. GAA (7.9). Adams

Baseball • Junior Bill Rafferty hit for the cycle at Iona on May 9, going 5-for-6 with two homers and a walk, five runs, and seven RBI. He also had • Senior Rob Gariano left his 14 total bases, breaking a 39-year-old program record. mark in the Fairfield record books. The right hander • Anthony Hajjar was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year, marking broke the 31-year-old the first time the Stags received the honor since 1997. career strikeouts record, • Tucker Nathans was selected to the NEIBA finishing with 293 as well All-Star Game at Fenway Park on June 6. It as the innings pitched was the Stags’ first selection since 2007. record with 323.1, breaking an eight-year-old record. He is tied for third all-time Softball in wins (17), tied for seventh in complete games (12), • Meghan Borst and Kristina Lingo earned a Rob Gariano and stands in seventh for spot on the All-MAAC Second Team. It was appearances (52). the third such selection for Borst and the second All-MAAC recognition for Lingo. • The Stags offense was outstanding, setting • The Stags went 24-22 in 2010, finishing six new single season two games above .500 for the first time standards in at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, homeruns, RBI. since 2006. • Rookie Anthony Hajjar and junior Tucker Nathans battled it out for the • Fairfield went 2-1 at the South Florida single season hits record. The duo surpassed the previous standard of 69 Tournament, notching wins over South set by Nathans last season and went hit-for-hit in the final series of the Florida and Toledo. year. Hajjar finished with 76 while Nathans had 75.

Meghan Borst 21

Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis • Sophomore Joe Michalisin was named the MAAC Player of the Year • The Stags had a phenomenal season, repeating for the second consecutive season. Michalisin, who also earned as MAAC Champions, capturing the MAAC Regular All-MAAC First Team honors at second singles, went 21-12 overall Season Title, and tying the program record for wins and 5-1 in MAAC play. He also received All-MAAC First Team honors with 19. at No. 1 doubles going 22-14 overall and 5-1 in the league. • Fairfield made its second-straight NCAA Tournament • Fairfield advanced to the MAAC in California. The Stags headed to Stanford where Championship final for the third they fell to the eventual national champions, 4-0. consecutive season. • Senior Dana Postupack earned the MAAC • Senior Ryan Berthod finished with 141 Championship Most Outstanding Player honors after combined career victories, setting the sealing the match-winning point for the Stags in the new standard for the Stags. final. It was the second-consecutive tournament in • Four Stags – Joe Michalisin, Rob which Postupack posted the match-winner. Ferrante, Dan Sauter, and Ryan • Freshman Meghan Sullivan moved into fourth singles Berthod – appeared at the 2009 USTA during the spring and notched victories in 15 of her Billie Jean King National Tennis Center final 17 matches. College Invitational during the fall. Ryan • Senior Paulina Rys finished the year with 149 • Freshman Erik Kremheller had a strong Berthod combined victories, making her the winningest Stag, debut for the Stags, winning eight of male or female, in program history. his final 10 singles matches to finish the season 26-9 overall, including a 16-6 dual record and a 5-1 mark in the Meghan Sullivan MAAC.

Men’s and Women’s Rowing • The men’s pair of Ben Andrews and James Jessup collected another bronze medal after placing third at the Dad Vail Regatta. The Fairfield pair finished the race in 7:26.94, placing third behind Drexel (7:17.43) and St. Thomas (7:20.85). • The women’s novice four of Genevieve Bleidner, Hope Beisswanger, Molly Graham, Bridget Butterworth, and coxswain Michelle DeJoseph notched a silver medal at Dad Vail, winning all three of their races and clocking a time of 7:58.65 to edge out Clemson by .04 seconds. The women’s pair of Krissi Gorsuch and Jessica Keefe also took silver at Dad Vails, posting a time of 8:12.67. • The men’s and women’s pair each won a gold medal at the 2010 MAAC Championships as the women’s team finished third and the men’s team placed fourth in the overall standings. The men’s pair, of Andrews and Jessup, won the MAAC title with a time of 7:42.6, nearly four seconds better than Marist’s second-place finish. The women’s pair Gorsuch and Keefe, became the first Stags to win a varsity race at this event since the 2002 campaign. The duo won the race with a time of 8:23.5, beating runner-up Marist by more than 20 seconds. • Andrews and Jessup also took gold at the Metropolitan Spring Championships, the Metropolitan Fall Championships, the Head of the Fish, and the Head of the Riverfront. They also appeared in the Grand Final of the Knecht Cup.

Men’s and Women’s Golf • The men’s team notched its highest team finish at the Mount St. Mary’s Spring Invitational, placing second. • The women’s team finished as the runners-up at the 2010 MAAC Championship. The Stags shot the third- round’s lowest team score, 321, on the final day. • The women’s team shot a team round of 329 to capture the overall team title at the Lonnie Barton Memorial Invitational at the Savannah Quarters Country Club in Savannah, Ga. Kristen Macdonald won the individual title for the Stags. • Christina DeStefano earned medalist honors in a match with Central Connecticut State after shooting an 82. • Fairfield University and Race Brook Country Club announced a multi-year partnership to have the club serve as the Stags home course. Race Brook boasts a 27-hole course, with the championship length 18-hole main course playing at par-71. The club has excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, chipping area and practice bunker, as well as a challenging practice green.

Christina DeStefano

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Academic Honors America East Academic his/her sports information director. Honor Roll Since the program’s inception in 1952, The Fairfield University field hockey CoSIDA has bestowed Academic team had 15 student-athletes All-America honors on more than MAAC All-Academic represented on the America 14,000 student-athletes in Division Fairfield University had 86 student-athletes named to the MAAC All-Academic East Fall Academic Honor Roll. I, II, III and NAIA, covering all NCAA Team during the 2009-2010 season. To be eligible for the MAAC All-Academic Students had to earn grade point championship sports. Team, a student-athlete must complete two semesters at their institution and averages of 3.0 or higher to receive All-District First Team hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.0 scale. this recognition. Commissioner’s Chris Horning (Baseball) Honor Roll status was awarded All-District Second Team Baseball to student-athletes completing Spenser Allaway (Women’s Soccer) David Dudish the fall semester with grade point Lauren Balmert (Volleyball) Kevin Fico averages of 3.5 or higher. Chris Horning Megan Ambrose* NCAA Academic Performance Bill Rafferty Amanda Bassiacos Award Mark Skrapits Julianne Bosse The NCAA Academic Performance Molly Byrnes Basketball awards are given annually to teams Molly Caffrey Sean Grzcek scoring in the top 10 percent in each Taylor Callahan Ryan Olander sport with their Academic Progress Kaitlyn Devlin Joelle Nawrocki Rates. High-performing teams Leah Furey* Sarah Paulus receiving public recognition awards Alexandria Hein Cross Country this year posted APR scores ranging Melanie Leo* Adrian Ambrose from 978 to a perfect 1,000. The APR Carly McCullough*^ Matthew Brunelle provides a real-time view of a team’s Anne Nieuwenhuis* Vin Ferrer academic success by tracking the Caitlin O’Donnell Steve Flanagan progress of each student-athlete Michelle Onofrio Benjamin Heslin during the school year. By measuring Jill Piacquadio* Kevin Manke eligibility and retention each semester Marit Westenberg Emily Davis or quarter, the APR provides a clear Kelly Kramer * Commissioner’s Honor Roll picture of the academic culture in ^America East Field Hockey All- Lauren Londregan Academic Team selection each sport. Caroline Riley Men’s Cross Country Lauren Tehan ECAC All-Academic Team Softball Golf Chris Horning The Fairfield University men’s Women’s Tennis Christina DeStefano lacrosse team had five members Alicia Esposito on the ECAC All-Academic Team. Miscellaneous To be eligible for the honor, a Numerous student-athletes and Annie Sperandio Shane Kurtz Aly Criscuolo student-athlete must maintain teams earned academic recognition Women’s Lacrosse Spenser Allaway Brenna Dean at least a 3.20 cumulative grade from various coaching organizations. Brittany Bare Kaitlin Denis Samantha Distler point average through at least Kelly Barnes Lisa Haylon Teresa Garrity Individual four semesters of work at his Kelley Brady Bri Miller Norah Gentile National Field Hockey Coaches current institution, be a significant Kristen Coleman Brittany Putnam Emily Kelly Association (NFHCA) National contributor to his team, and have Amy Kelleher Chrissie Sidie Barbara Mangino Academic Squad participated in at least 50 percent Renee L’Heureux Jackie Taylor Marina Meliones Taylor Callahan, Kaitlyn Devlin, Leah of the games (33 percent of the Katie MacKay Katie Merz Furey, Melanie Leo, Carly McCullough, Softball minutes for goalies). Kate Reardon Megan Reilly Annie Nieuwenhuis, Jill Piacquadio, Kristen Bowen Sean Bannon Erin Rigby Allison Russoniello and Marit Westenberg Sarah Minice Mike Esposito Wanda Szarek Rowing Allison Ritacco Steve Golmont Team James Jessup Jessica Stand Tennis Doug Kuring Cross Country Jessica Curley Kristie Trifiolis Ryan Berthod Matt Plominski U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Christina Ercole Allison Wigand Mark Kremheller Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team Award Kristen Gorsuch Swimming & Diving Joe Michalisin ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Alexa Hoehne Greg Bellizzi Dana Postupack To be eligible for Academic All- Field Hockey Kimberly Kesting Brett Carisio Alyssa Ruiz America honors, a student-athlete NFHCA Division I National Academic Bridgette Sliva Anthony Caserta Volleyball must be a varsity starter or key Team Award Meghan Sullivan Jonathan O’Connor Lauren Balmert reserve, maintain a cumulative Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Mary Catherine Taylor Boris Romanovsky Kendal Dirkin grade point average of 3.30 on Diving Soccer Drew Thomsen Katie Mann a scale of 4.00, have reached College Swimming Coaches David Bartholomew Sasha Campbell Amanda Steiger sophomore athletic and academic Association of America (CSCAA) Erik Ilisije Alyssa Conroy standing at his/her current Scholar All-American Award institution and be nominated by (Fall and Spring semesters) 23

Alumni Hall of Fame Coaching Milestones

he Fairfield University Department of Athletics and the Field Hockey Head Coach Jackie Alumni Association inducted two new members to the Hall of Kane earned the 100th win of her TFame on May 7 during an awards banquet at the Bridgeport coaching career when the Stags Holiday Inn. Men’s lacrosse player Samuel Peterson ’97 and defeated Ball State, 5-4, in overtime volleyball player Joanne Saunders ’02 are now enshrined among on September 4. Fairfield’s greatest student-athletes in program history.

Peterson was crucial Sam Peterson to Fairfield’s success and dominance in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and as a member of the first Division I men’s lacrosse recruiting Women’s Soccer Coach Jim O’Brien class. In 1996, the team went has won 54 games in his five undefeated in MAAC play en seasons at Fairfield, earning his route to a title. During that 50th victory on September 20, with year he owned a .630 save a 3-1 victory over Stony Brook. percentage, good for tenth in the nation, and an 11.90 goals against average (GAA), good for 29th in the country. As a senior, the team captain was named the MAAC Goalkeeper of the Year and earned All-MAAC First Team. During that campaign, he registered a 12.69 GAA with a .611 save Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis percentage (287 saves). Peterson still holds the NCAA Division I Coach Ed Paige went over 100 career record for career saves (1,077), career saves per game (25.64), and wins, ending the season with 111. career saves per game leader (19.58). He surpassed 50 wins for the men on March 27, with a 7-0 win at home Saunders was a fixture in over MAAC foe Loyola. His 50th win Joanne Saunders Fairfield’s lineup from her first with the women came in the regular day as a Stag. One of the most season finale, 6-1, at MAAC foe decorated players in program Niagara. history, Saunders helped Fairfield to four consecutive MAAC Championships. The outside hitter was a three-time Softball Head Coach Julie All-MAAC selection, a three-time Brzezinski earned her 600th career MAAC All-Tournament honoree, victory on April 18, as the Stags the 2000 MAAC Championship rallied from a 4-1 deficit to earn MVP, a two-time MAAC a 9-4 victory over MAAC foe Siena Preseason selection, and the College in the opening game of a 2000 MAAC Preseason Player of double header. She finished the the Year. She was also selected season, her 13th at Fairfield, with to the AVCA All-Northeast Region as a junior. Saunders still holds 605 career victories and a 360-344- the Fairfield record for kills with 1,799 and ranks among the top-10 5 record at the helm of the Stags. in several categories. In addition, Saunders is one of only six Stags to have more than 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs during her career.

ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2009-10 FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Corporate Sponsors

he partnership between Fairfield University and Nelligan sports properties represented. Sports Marketing (NSM) continues to grow and foster new NSM has developed, as part of its unique partnership model, Tsponsorship opportunities. Through these sponsorships, a campus-wide marketing program to maximize revenues for Fairfield University continues to provide unique marketing collegiate institutions and their partners. This program fosters opportunities for businesses and corporations at the local, long-term corporate relationships, furthers institutional initiatives, regional, and national level. and promotes the brands of the college/university and its corporate NSM provides sales and marketing expertise for sports partners. properties nationwide. NSM is dedicated to building long-term In conjunction with NSM, Fairfield University athletics saw its relationships with clients through management of the properties corporate program double in the last year by adding IBEW, AFLAC, represented and by maximizing revenue growth through corporate LA Boxing, and Holiday Inn Bridgeport to its stable of sponsors. relationships. NSM’s experienced sales executives have a proven Currently, Fairfield University athletics has seen its corporate track record of exceptional revenue growth and management of the sponsorship revenue grow to over $220,000 since teaming with NSM.

For more information, contact the Sports Information Office phone: (203) 254-4000, ext. 4116 toll-free: (888) 488-6840 fax: (203) 254-4073 web site: www.fairfieldstags.com 30774_2010