For Fairfield volleyball standout Mamie Krubally, the game has always been more than competition. It has been a community, a family and a lifelong passion. From her early days growing up in Texas to becoming one of the Stags’ most dominant and inspiring players, Krubally’s journey is defined by resilience, leadership and a love for the sport that shines through every serve, spike and celebration.
Krubally’s story with volleyball began early. “I think I started playing in third grade,” she recalled. “I played soccer too, but by fifth grade, I just stuck with volleyball. My mom got me and my brothers into sports when we were young, and it just clicked for me.”
That early foundation turned into a competitive drive once she entered the Texas club circuit, one of the most demanding in the country. “I started club around my 12s or 13s year,” she said. “It’s really competitive in Texas; everyone plays. People at my school, my friends, my rivals, we’d play against each other in club season and then be teammates in school season. It made it so fun.”
That environment shaped her into the confident, composed player Fairfield fans see today. But when it came time for college recruiting, Krubally didn’t originally picture herself leaving the South. “Honestly, I wasn’t planning on coming to the East Coast,” she said. “Then Fairfield’s coaches came down to watch me play, and when I visited, I just knew. Meeting the team and seeing how close everyone was, it felt like home. The campus is beautiful, small and personal. It just felt right.”
That “home away from home” feeling has only deepened since arriving at Fairfield. Krubally quickly became an essential part of the Stags’ success, helping the team capture back-to-back MAAC Championships. Her contributions on the court, including earning MAAC Championship MVP honors following their 3-1 victory over Quinnipiac, reflect both her talent and her unshakeable mindset.
“Last year felt so special,” Krubally said. “We had such positive energy all weekend. Even with the pressure of being ranked first, we stayed loose, trusted each other, and played our game. Winning that championship and celebrating with my teammates is something I’ll never forget.”
This season has seen individual accolades join team success. Krubally has been named MAAC Player of the Week twice, earning the honor on Sept. 16, 2025, and again on Oct. 14, 2025, for her standout performances. The recognition reflects her consistency and drive to raise the program’s standard each match.
“It means a lot because it shows the hard work from preseason was paying off and gave me confidence right away,” she said. “For Fairfield’s program, it puts a spotlight on what we’re building and shows people we can compete at a national level.”
Krubally’s teammates echo that same sentiment. Senior Maya Walker praised both her intensity and her energy, describing Krubally as someone who perfectly balances focus with fun.
“Mamie is a force on the court and a light off the court,” Walker said. “She’s super intense against our opponents but silly with us, which makes it so fun to play next to her.”
Walker added that Krubally’s work ethic is unmatched. “Mamie is a super hardworking person, which is apparent on the court and in the classroom,” she said. “Her commitment to excellence is what best represents her.”
That trust and togetherness are what drive Fairfield’s sustained success. For Krubally, the program’s culture is rooted in mutual accountability and genuine friendship, a bond that keeps them grounded through highs and lows.
“Our team just knows how to balance it,” she explained. “We can be funny and light, but we also know when it’s time to lock in. Having that friendship outside of volleyball makes it easier to hold each other accountable because it comes from a place of trust.”
As one of just two juniors on the roster, Krubally has naturally stepped into a leadership role, a transition she’s embraced with maturity. “It’s Danielle and me, and next year we’ll be the only seniors,” she said. “So we’re already getting used to taking on those responsibilities. It’s about setting the tone now, showing the underclassmen what it means to compete, staying disciplined and supporting each other.”
That leadership extends beyond the court. Krubally speaks openly about the challenges of balancing academics, athletics and mental health, and the importance of having a strong support system. “Our coaches and staff care about us as people,” she said. “Our performance trainer, Mike Harris, checks in with us if we’re having a rough day. That support means a lot because sometimes, especially as a sophomore, I dealt with the ‘sophomore slump.’ Finding that balance between pushing yourself and not being a perfectionist was something I had to learn.”
To help keep perspective, Krubally and her teammates embrace what they call “Small Wins,” a reminder to celebrate little moments in practice and games. “It’s about appreciating the little things, covering a block, making a smart play,” she said. “It helps ground us and reminds us to stay present. Our motto is ‘PB&J,’ which stands for passion, bravery, and joy. It’s something we live by every day.”
For Krubally, being present also means appreciating how far she’s come. Adjusting to life far from home wasn’t easy, especially in her first semester. “The transition was hard at first,” she said. “It’s colder here, and balancing school and volleyball was a lot. But having close teammates, coaches, and friends outside of athletics helped me find balance. Now, I really feel at home here.”
With her junior season in full swing, Krubally continues to anchor Fairfield’s defense and inspire her teammates with her energy and composure. Her goals reflect both ambition and perspective.
“Personally, I just want to keep being that positive person on the team,” she said. “Someone others can lean on. As a team, our goal is to win the MAAC regular season and tournament again, but also to keep enjoying the game. Volleyball is something we love, not something that defines us.”
That mindset: steady, humble and team-first has become Krubally’s trademark. Whether she’s leading a timeout huddle or encouraging a teammate, she embodies Fairfield volleyball’s spirit of unity and resilience.
As she looks ahead to her senior year, one thing is certain. Mamie Krubally is more than a standout player; she’s the heartbeat of a program built on passion, grit and joy.
