FAIRFIELD, Conn. –  Fairfield University Field Hockey will join the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) as an associate member beginning with the 2026 season. The announcement was made by CAA Commissioner Joe D'Antonio on Thursday. 

"We are pleased to welcome Fairfield to the CAA as an associate member in field hockey," 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 University, Hofstra University, Monmouth University, Northeastern University, Towson University, and the College of 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 field hockey 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, continued 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 is also an associate member for men's lacrosse, joining the CAA beginning in the 2015 season.