Fairfield women’s lacrosse concluded a successful off-season as they head into next year looking to defend their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship title.
Last year, the Stags defeated Iona University 12-7 in the MAAC championship final, finishing last season with an 11-7 record.
This year brings changes to the coaching staff, with Fairfield lacrosse alumni Kelly Horning ‘21 and Caroline Mangan ‘22 joining head coach Laura Field as assistant coaches.
Horning was the first All-American in program history and ranks third in career goals for the Stags, with 146 goals. She helped lead the team to four MAAC championship titles. Mangan earned MAAC MVP honors in 2021 and 2023 and ranks second in program history with 124 draw controls.
Fairfield’s fall schedule featured scrimmages against a range of high-level opponents, including Princeton, USC and UPenn, offering valuable match experience without the pressure of records or conference play.
The Stags return several key contributors from last year’s championship run, while also integrating a promising group of newcomers.
Current graduate student Grace Slater was a key player for the Stags last season and is using her fifth year of eligibility for another year with the Fairfield side. In addition to her experience and leadership, she enters this season as the second-highest goal scorer (45) and second-highest for points (64) from the 2025 season.
Sophomore Sarah Sullivan reflected on the intensity and progress of the off-season, as well as the team’s mindset heading into the spring.
“This off-season has definitely been intense, but it’s exactly what we needed,” she said.
“We pushed ourselves physically and mentally and you can see how much stronger, more connected, and more confident we have become because of it. We’re excited to carry all the work into the season and see what we can accomplish as a team.”
While they await the release of the official schedule, the Stags look toward the new season with a measured sense of readiness and anticipation as they prepare their MAAC title defense.