The Fairfield University volleyball team heads into the 2025 MAAC Championships with another regular-season title and a clear understanding of what it will take to finish the job. After finishing 23-5 overall and 17-1 in MAAC play this season, capped off by their 3-0 sweep of Iona University last Saturday, the Stags enter the postseason with confidence and awareness that every opponent wants to be the one that knocks off the top seed.
Fairfield’s approach all season has centered on looking inward instead of getting caught up in external expectations. The group has spent the year building a culture driven by calmness, composure and intentional play, themes they plan to rely on during the most important weekend of the season.
In practice this week, the Stags repeated the same message: stay grounded. One of the ideas that guides the team is something they call presence over pressure, a phrase that has become a core part of their identity. Senior middle blocker Maya Walker said the team constantly reminds each other where the pressure really comes from.
“Pressure comes from the outside expectations, good and bad. The other teams in the conference are gunning for our spot and praying on our downfall, while our fans and supporters are expecting us to continue our winning streak,” Walker said.
To keep those voices from pulling them off track, the Stags have focused on staying locked into the moment. “We remind ourselves to be where our feet are,” Walker said. “Focusing on each point, one at a time, helps keep the important things at the forefront.”
Their mindset mirrors the tone set by head coach Nancy Somera, whose message has been consistent throughout the year. In a recent press release, Somera said, “Perhaps even more than any other individual award, Coach of the Year is a reflection of the commitment of everybody associated with Fairfield Volleyball. I am honored to share this recognition with the 20 young women who put their trust in me and who are committed every day to our program’s standards of excellence.” Her comments mirror the process-driven approach the players are bringing into championship weekend.
That mindset has shaped Fairfield’s entire preparation. Rather than making drastic changes, the Stags plan to rely on the style of play that has carried them throughout the regular season. Walker said playing with discipline and energy will be essential.
“This weekend, we are focusing on bringing the fire,” she said. “We do not want to change much about how we do things. We want to bring consistent, crispy-clean volleyball.”
Consistency has been a defining strength for Fairfield, especially in areas like ball control and first-touch execution. Walker believes that leaning into who they already are gives the Stags the best chance to succeed.
For six rotation standout Allie Elliott, that same consistency is the foundation of Fairfield’s postseason plan. She said her role is to be a steady presence in every phase of the game, helping the team stay in rhythm.
“As a six rotation player, I think my biggest impact comes from being consistent in every phase of volleyball,” Elliott said. “Keeping our ball control steady will be huge for us this weekend because it allows our offense to run the way we want it to.”
When Fairfield executes the first touch well, they can run their fast, balanced offense that forces opponents into uncomfortable positions. “When our offense is clicking, we are very hard to stop and can really control the flow of the match,” Elliott said.
Trust is another crucial element heading into the postseason. Elliott said that championship matches can get chaotic quickly, so the team needs to rely on what they have built all year.
“In a championship setting, it is very important to trust your training and preparation,” she said. “I always remind everybody to stay patient and focus on one point at a time.” She also noted that communication and energy become even more important when the pressure rises. “Focusing on things you can control, like communication and energy, makes it easier to stay composed when things get chaotic,” Elliot added.
The MAAC Championship features the league’s top six teams, with Fairfield securing the No. 1 seed and hosting responsibilities. Nothing about tournament weekend is predictable, but the Stags believe that their focus on presence, steadiness and trust will set them up for another deep run.
If Fairfield stays committed to the same process that carried them through the regular season, they believe the rest will take care of itself.
What’s Next
Semifinal: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1:00 p.m.
Final (if they advance): Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1:00 p.m.
