FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Head Coach Laura Field has announced that Kelly Horning will be returning to Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse for the upcoming 2022 season. Horning was the 2021 MAAC Midfielder of the Year and is a two-time All-MAAC First Team honoree.
 
"We are thrilled to Kelly back with us for another year," said Field. "Her impact on the field is undeniable, as are her commitment to winning and her positive impact on our team culture."
 
In addition to MAAC Midfielder of the Year laurels, Horning was an IWLCA All-Region Second Team selection. She led the Stags with 37 goals and added 10 assists for 47 points. A true two-way midfielder, Horning also ranked second in the conference in ground balls with 3.00 per game, second in caused turnovers at 1.87 per game, and ninth in draw controls with 3.67 per contest. She was the only MAAC player among the top 10 in all three of those categories.
 
For her career, Horning ranks 13th in program history with 107 goals and is 15th all-time in points at 134. She is also second all-time in ground balls – one short of the program record with 168 pickups in her career – as well as 12th in draw controls (107) and third in caused turnovers (92)
 
Horning is a three-time MAAC Champion (2018, 2019, 2021) and has been tabbed for the MAAC All-Championship Team for her role in all three of those postseason triumphs.

"Through all of the challenges of the last 18 months, I'm grateful for the opportunity to come back to Fairfield for a fifth year," said Horning. "I am so excited to spend another season with my coaches and teammates and for a chance to win a fourth MAAC Championship ring."
 
Fairfield Women's Lacrosse won the MAAC Championship and Regular Season Championship for the third straight season in 2021, finishing with a record of 13-2. The Stags advanced to the NCAA postseason for the fifth time in program history, where they challenged #4 Boston College – the eventual National Champion -- in the opening round.