FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Men's Lacrosse has added Connor Samuelson as the Stags' Defensive Coordinator. Samuelson most recently held the same post at UMass Lowell for four seasons as part of more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience.
 
Samuelson joined the UMass Lowell staff prior to the 2023 campaign after five seasons at Williams College. As the primary assistant for the Ephs, Samuelson served as the team's goalie coach and oversaw all recruiting for defensive players. A finalist for the 2019 Mike Clear DIII Assistant Coach of the Year, Samuelson played a critical role in guiding Williams to the NESCAC Finals in 2019 and 2021 as well as the team's first NCAA Final Four appearance in 2019.
 
Samuelson began his coaching career at the University of Hartford in 2016.
 
"I am excited to welcome Connor Samuelson as our Defensive Coordinator. Connor is an outstanding coach whose defensive expertise, relentless work ethic, and reputation as a tireless recruiter make him an exceptional addition to our staff," said Head Coach John Odierna. "Throughout his career, Connor has consistently made a positive impact at each of his coaching stops. His passion for teaching, commitment to player development, and alignment with the culture we're building make him a perfect fit for our program. We are thrilled to welcome Connor to the Fairfield community and can't wait to see the impact he will have on our student-athletes."
 
An All-New England and All-NEWMAC defensemen, Samuelson was a four-year starter at Springfield College. The Pride won a conference championship and reached the NCAA Division III Tournament in all four of his seasons at Springfield.
 
Samuelson graduated from Springfield in 2016 with a B.S. in Psychology.