CAA Adds Fairfield University As An Associate Member In Field Hockey Beginning In 2026

Content Courtesy of CAA
Photo Courtesy of Fairfield Athletics/Indi DelRocco

RICHMOND, Va. - CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio announced today the conference will add Fairfield University as an associate member in the sport of field hockey beginning with the 2026 season.

“We are pleased to welcome Fairfield to the CAA as an associate member in field hockey,” CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio said. “Adding a nationally ranked, championship program like Fairfield to the CAA makes what was already a competitive conference even stronger.”

Fairfield joins Drexel, Hofstra, Monmouth, Northeastern, Towson and William & Mary to give the CAA seven members for the upcoming season.

“On the heels of one of the most successful seasons in Fairfield field hockey history, we are excited for this opportunity to continue our upward trajectory as a program and align our aspirations with membership in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation,” Fairfield University Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann said. “Thank you to Commissioner Joe D’Antonio, the CAA Presidents, and Athletic Directors for welcoming us as we take this next step in our journey.”

The Stags field hockey program, under Head Coach Laura Gebhart, posted a 16-6 overall record in 2025, captured the NEC regular-season title with an unblemished 9-0 record, and went on to win its second consecutive NEC Championship and fourth overall. The Stags advanced to the NCAA Championship and won their opening round game against Boston University before falling to third-ranked Princeton. Fairfield returned to the national rankings by earning the number 20 position in the NFHCA poll in 2025, its first national ranking since 2019.

“We are thrilled to begin play in the CAA next season,” Coach Gebhart said. “Fairfield has traditionally played many of the teams in the CAA as part of its non-conference schedule. We look to build upon that history as we transition into the CAA and continue to grow as a program.”

Fairfield has been CAA associate member in men’s lacrosse since 2015.