FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sara Richwine, J.D. has joined the Fairfield University staff as Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance & Governance. Richwine comes to the Stags after serving five years in a similar role at the University of New Haven and owns a decade of experience in athletics compliance.
 
"We're excited to welcome Sara to the Fairfield Stags family," said Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann. "Her educational background along with a wealth of experience in NCAA compliance, student-services and sport administration will be a great asset as we continue our departmental growth and progression in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. As a former student-athlete, Sara understands the every-day challenges of our student-athletes and shares our vision and passion for their holistic development."
 
Richwine's tenure at New Haven included oversight of NCAA recruiting, eligibility and financial aid for 20 athletics programs and more than 550 Division II student-athletes. She was also the advisor of the Chargers' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Through her work with SAAC, Richwine increased student-athlete community engagement, having granted wishes to four Connecticut Make-a-Wish recipients, organizing the first National Girls & Women in Sports Day initiative with West Haven elementary schools, coordinating the inaugural Roosevelt Field Day in Bridgeport, and hosting a number of community events for hundreds of local youths. Under her leadership, New Haven was honored as a finalist for the Division II Award of Excellence in 2023.
 
Richwine was also an adjunct faculty member in the Sport Management program at New Haven, and was the sport supervisor for New Haven Women's Lacrosse, Track & Field and Field Hockey.
 
Prior to joining the New Haven staff, Richwine held a similar position at the University of Bridgeport for three years. She has served as a liaison with campus partners and served as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics at both New Haven and Bridgeport
 
She began her athletics compliance career at Central Connecticut State University.
 
"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to join a program rich in both academic rigor and athletics excellence. During a time of unprecedented change in collegiate athletics, Fairfield has remained consistent in its mission to ensure student-athletes excel in the classroom, on the field of play, in the community, and in their futures," Richwine said. "I want to thank President Nemec and Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann for the opportunity and for their unparalleled leadership and vision for student-athletes." 
 
Richwine received a B.A. in Business Administration & Political Science from Muhlenberg College in 2009, where she competed in Women's Lacrosse and Cross Country. She earned her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University in 2012 and was a practicing attorney for three years, serving as a clerk in the New Haven Superior Court and working as legal counsel for minor children and in foreclosure litigation and mediation.
 
Richwine resides in New Haven with her husband Pat and children, Jack and Lily.