FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Women's Soccer sophomore forward Maddy Theriault was voted the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Preseason Player of the Year, while the Stags were picked second in the preseason poll, just narrowly being edged by reigning champions Quinnipiac. Fairfield, who received four first place votes, also had three selections to the Preseason All-MAAC squad with Theriault, Caroline Kelly, and Elle Scott receiving the honors.
 
"We had a good year in 2022 with plenty of returning players on the roster, so this placement makes some sense," sixth-year Head Coach David Barrett said. "We know we can't hide and everyone will be circling their game against us. At the end of the day though, we know we need to prove ourselves on the field and not on paper."
 
The Stags are coming off one of the best regular seasons in school history as they posted 14 wins including a 9-1 mark in the conference. Fairfield earned a share of the MAAC Regular Season Championship, their eighth in program history and their first since 2012. The Stags will return 18 letterwinners from that successful campaign including eight starters.
 
Theriault, the Preseason Player of the Year, highlights the group of returners after one of the most successful rookie seasons in school history. Theriault led the team with eight goals and 21 points, finishing in the top-three in the MAAC in both categories. Her eight goals placed her in the top-10 in the nation among freshmen and her 21 points was the most by any Stag in four years. For her success, she was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year, the ECAC Rookie of the Year, and recognized among the top first-year players in the nation with a spot on the College Soccer News All-Freshmen Third Team.
 
She was the only unanimous selection to the All-MAAC Preseason squad.
 
"I think Maddy is ready for the challenge," Coach Barrett said. "Again, she's not a secret anymore. Everyone knows about #10. She is more confident and ready to assume a greater responsibility for the team."
 
Theriault was one of three selections to the Preseason All-MAAC squad joining senior defender Caroline Kelly and senior striker Elle Scott.
 
Kelly earned All-MAAC First Team accolades last season after appearing in all 18 games while logging 1,487 minutes. On the defensive side, she helped the Stags surrender just 10.4 shots per game including 8.7 in conference matches. She also helped the Stags up front on set pieces by scoring three goals and dishing out an assist this year.
 
Scott was a member of the All-MAAC Second Team in 2022 after finishing with seven assists and also chipping in five goals. Six of those helpers came in conference matches including dishing out a pair in back-to-back games against Quinnipiac and Manhattan.
 
"It's a nice distinction for our athletes who have worked hard and earned the respect of other coaches in the league," Coach Barrett said.
 
The Stags finished with 112 points and four first place votes in the preseason poll, being edged by just three points to reigning champions Quinnipiac.
 
Fairfield is under the direction of Head Coach David Barrett, who in his six seasons have guided the Stags to 43 victories, 21 All-MAAC selections, four MAAC Championship Tournament appearances, and the 2022 MAAC Regular Season Championship, the first for the program in a decade.
 
Fairfield will begin the 2023 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 17 at Lessing Field where they will host Binghamton at 4pm.