FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Head Swimming and Diving Coach Jake Lichter was named  the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Swimming Coach of the Year for both men's and women's swimming.

The awards are the first for Lichter who is in his second season overseeing the Stags swimming and diving programs. Lichter comes off the most successful season in Fairfield swimming and diving history, leading the Stags to both the men's and women's conference championships.

The championship was the first ever for the men's program, while the women's team captured its fifth MAAC crown. Both the men's and women's teams edged Marist University for the championship, with the men posting 1341.83 points and the women tallying 1325.5 points.

The women's team broke three MAAC Championship records during this year's edition, namely Natasha De Pree in the 200 freestyle (1:48.17), Tone Sandsjo in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.32), and the 400 medley relay team (3:40.35). De Pree earned the Swimming Rookie of the Meet award while Colton Driggers garnered the Diving Rookie of the Meet honor following the championship.

The Stags enjoyed another success in the regular season as well, facing a formidable schedule that saw Fairfield compete in both dual meets and invitationals. The women's team secured five dual meet wins including decisions over MAAC foes Marist University, Iona University, and Sacred Heart University. The squad also took home the Fairfield Invitational title while it held the fifth slot at the Terrier Invitational.

The men's team recorded seven dual meet victories which complemented a first-place finish at the Fairfield Invitational and a third-place placement at the Terrier Invitational. The Stags also outscored their two conference opponents in Iona and Marist earlier in the season.

The Fairfield University swimming and diving programs will now turn their focus on the ECAC Championships from February 27 to March 1.