Dani Brown, a member of the Class of 2003, majored in English with a minor in education and competed in field hockey.
Q&A
Why did you choose to attend Fairfield University?
I was first introduced to Fairfield after my mom attended a wedding at the chapel on campus. When she came home, she told me she had driven around, noticed the field hockey team practicing, and felt an immediate sense that Fairfield was the right place for me. That sparked my curiosity, so I reached out to Coach Jackie Kane and began the process of scheduling a visit and attending a game.
I had already done two other recruiting visits before Fairfield, but the moment I stepped on campus, something just clicked. There was a welcoming, close-knit energy that made it feel like home right away. I also knew I wanted to go into education, and I felt deeply connected to Fairfield’s Jesuit mission and its commitment to service and developing the whole person. That sense of purpose, both on and off the field, really aligned with who I am and what I wanted out of my college experience.
From academics to athletics, Fairfield felt like a place where I could grow, not just as a student-athlete, but as a person. It wasn’t just about playing field hockey; it was about being part of a community that values leadership, service, and personal growth.
How are you involved with the University now?
Most recently, I served as part of the Fairfield Field Hockey coaching staff from 2019 to 2021. During that time, we had an incredible run, including a historic 19-3 season that earned us our first NCAA tournament win and some time in the Top 25. Our efforts were recognized when we were named the NFHCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year, which was a proud and humbling moment.
Although a shift in my professional role with Norwalk Public Schools required me to step back from coaching, I remained closely connected to the program. I had the honor of being part of the transition between head coaches — working alongside Coach Jackie Kane in the final years of her remarkable 30-year career, and serving on the hiring committee that selected Laura Gebhart as her successor.
Staying involved in this way has kept my passion for Fairfield Field Hockey alive. We have been scheduling a monthly Coffee with Stags get together with alumni and the coaching staff as a way to stay informed on what’s happening with the team and brainstorming ways to bring alumni back to campus and support current players.
What inspires you to stay involved with the University?
Fairfield has given me so much, not just as a student-athlete, but as a person. It shaped my values, my career path, and my approach to leadership. Staying involved feels like a way to give back to a community that helped build the foundation for who I am today.
What continues to inspire me most is the sense of purpose and connection that Fairfield instills in its students. Whether it's through service, academics, or athletics, there's a shared commitment to excellence and to making a difference. Being part of the coaching staff and later the hiring committee reminded me of how strong and supportive this community is. I want to continue to be part of that — supporting current student-athletes, celebrating the team’s success, and contributing however I can to the next chapter of Fairfield’s story.
It’s not just about reliving the glory days. It's about being part of something that continues to grow, evolve, and impact lives.
How do you hope your support will impact the future of Fairfield University?
I hope my continued support helps keep the strong sense of community and tradition alive at Fairfield, especially within the field hockey program. As a former student-athlete, I know how meaningful it is to feel supported by those who came before you. I remember looking up to the alumni who paved the way, even if we never played together. Some of those women became trusted friends and mentors, simply because of the bond we shared through Fairfield Field Hockey. That connection — built on pride, tradition, and mutual respect — is powerful.
My hope is that current and future players feel that same sense of belonging and legacy. Whether it's through mentorship, encouragement, or just showing up to cheer them on, I want to help create a lasting culture where every student-athlete feels valued and supported. In doing so, I believe we strengthen not only the program, but the entire Fairfield community.
Any advice for fellow Fairfield Athletics alumni and friends about how to stay involved?
Staying connected doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with simply showing up. Whether it’s attending a home game, reposting a team highlight, or cheering on our Stags from afar, your presence matters. Following the Fairfield Athletics social media accounts is a great way to stay informed about upcoming games, events, and to get to know the current staff and student-athletes on a more personal level. It’s an easy way to stay engaged and be part of the energy that drives these programs forward.
Events like STAGiving Day are also an incredible opportunity to give back. Contributions during these campaigns directly support our teams by providing resources they need to compete at the highest level — whether that’s new equipment, travel opportunities, or enhanced training support. It’s a way for alumni and friends to invest in the future of Fairfield Athletics and help keep our teams competitive on a national scale.
Most importantly, your involvement — big or small — shows current student-athletes that they’re part of something much larger than their time on campus. That kind of support makes a lasting impact and keeps Fairfield Athletics strong for generations to come.
About
I currently reside in Milford, Connecticut, with my wife, Rebecca, and our two daughters, Adley (11) and Camden (8). I serve as the Education Administrator for School Support and Improvement in Humanities (K–12) for Norwalk Public Schools. My free time consists of keeping tabs on the New York Mets, caddying for Adley in the early stage of her competitive golf career, and jamming out with Camden while she’s playing the drums.
