FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Head Field Hockey Coach
Laura Gebhart announced additions to the Stags' coaching staff on Friday. Martina Giacchino will join the staff as a graduate assistant coach while former Stags goalkeeper
Payton Rahn will serve as an assistant coach beginning with the 2026 campaign.
Giacchino brings a great deal of international and collegiate experience to the Stags program, having played four years at Boston College in addition to competing with the Argentine Junior Team in 2021 which competed in Santiago, Chile.
As Boston College, she was a two-time captain for the Eagles, serving her teammates in that capacity during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. She started every game over her final three seasons, spanning a stretch of 55 matches.
Over her four-year career, Giacchino posted eight goals and 22 assists for 38 points, highlighted by her three-goal, 10-assist season as a sophomore. In her senior season, she tallied four assists and added two defensive saves which tied for second best in the ACC. She opened her career by registering a goal and an assist in her first game for Boston College.
Off the pitch, Giacchino garnered three berths to the ACC All-Academic Team. Back home, she also garnered coaching experience by overseeing a 20-member team in 2021.
"Martina brings a unique perspective to our staff as a former captain and accomplished student-athlete at Boston College," Coach Gebhart said. "She understands what it takes to lead and compete at a high level, while balancing the ability to connect with our student. We're excited for the energy, connection, and leadership she will bring to our program.
Rahn ranks as one Fairfield's top goalkeepers all-time, setting the school record with her 1.35 career goals against average. She also places ninth all-time with her .733 career save percentage. In 2025, she posted 16 wins including a shutout victory against Boston University in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. She finished her career with 244 saves in 72 career appearances.
During her time in the goal, Rahn was honored with NFHCA All-Region honors as well All-NEC accolades. She received the NEC Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2023, finishing the campaign with a 1.12 goals against average which placed ninth in the nation.
Rahn was successful in the classroom as well, collecting All-NEC Academic honors as well as garnering a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad.
"Having Payton return to our program is incredibly special," Coach Gebhart said. "As a five-year player and former captain, she understands what it means to be a Stag and brings a deep connection to our program. Most importantly, she is an awesome human being, and I know our goalkeepers will benefit tremendously from her experience, perspective and passion for Fairfield."
The Fairfield University field hockey will open the 2026 season with a pair of home games, hosting Syracuse University on Friday, August 28 followed by a match up with the College of the Holy Cross on Sunday, August 30.
