Catalina Ness, Alice Pifferi, and Courtland Schumacher have been appointed as captains for the Fairfield University field hockey team for the 2026 season. Head Coach Laura Gebhart praised their leadership qualities and commitment to the team. The trio is recognized for their performance and ability to inspire their teammates on and off the field.

By the Numbers
  • Catalina Ness recorded 1 goal and 6 assists in the 2025 season, earning NEC Midfielder of the Year honors.
  • Alice Pifferi registered 20 assists over two seasons, ranking seventh all-time at Fairfield.
State of Play
  • The Stags are heading into their second season under Coach Gebhart, who previously led them to an NEC Championship.
  • The 2026 season kicks off with home games against Syracuse University on August 28 and the College of the Holy Cross on August 30.
What's Next

The team looks to build on their success from last season, aiming to establish strong leadership under the new captains as they prepare for critical early-season matchups.

Bottom Line

The appointment of Ness, Pifferi, and Schumacher as captains reflects the team's commitment to excellence and leadership, setting a promising tone for the upcoming season.