Q&A
Why did you choose to attend Fairfield University?
I was playing for the England Schoolboys U18 team when I first met former Head Coach Carl Rees and had some initial conversations with him. Coming from England, I honestly didn’t know much about the university landscape in the U.S., as there weren’t many resources available back in 2007. Initially, I chose a small school in South Carolina due to family connections in the area. However, after just three days, I realized I had made a mistake. I called Coach Rees and said, “I made the wrong choice — I absolutely should have chosen Fairfield University.” Long story short, I transferred to Fairfield, and it was truly the best decision I’ve ever made. Fairfield University changed the trajectory of my life.
How are you involved with the University now?
Even as a student, I was passionate about giving back. I served as a manager for the Student Phonathon program, raising funds for the Fairfield Fund. I loved speaking with alumni and hearing their stories — it was a real catalyst for wanting to do more. Rob McMahon, a fellow soccer alumnus and an influential role model, inspired me through his selfless dedication in founding the Fairfield University Friends of Soccer (FUFOS) program. Today, I serve as President of FUFOS, helping student-athletes explore internship and job opportunities through our network, fundraising for the program, and supporting families of student-athletes. More recently, I’ve also had the opportunity to guest lecture at the Dolan School of Business, which has been incredibly rewarding as I help the next generation of Stags on their career journeys.
What inspires you to stay involved with the University?
Fairfield University genuinely changed my life. It’s where I met my incredible wife, and together we now have two beautiful children. I also met my two best friends here, and I’m fortunate to work alongside Fairfield alumni in my professional life. The friendships and relationships I built and the lessons I learned — both on the field and in the classroom — have profoundly shaped who I am. These connections and experiences are exactly why I stay engaged. It’s a privilege to give back to the place that gave me so much. I think what speaks volumes is that sometimes weeks and months can go by without speaking to former teammates. But when we are together again, it’s like we never left one another. The bond is incredibly strong.
How do you hope your support will impact the future of Fairfield University?
Watching young student-athletes enter the program and grow into mature, driven young men gives me a tremendous sense of pride. Being able to support them — whether by building connections, helping them secure job opportunities, or guiding them through important life transitions — is incredibly rewarding. I hope that my involvement helps create more opportunities for these students to thrive and change their lives, just as it did for me.
Any advice for fellow Fairfield Athletics alumni and friends about how to stay involved?
While financial contributions are important, I believe time and mentorship are equally impactful. Supporting just one student-athlete per year through resume reviews, interview preparation, career advice, or even a simple introduction to a connection can make a lasting difference. Our involvement helps strengthen the alumni network and instills in current students the value of giving back, continuing the cycle of support and growth for this amazing institution.
About
I met my wife, Michele Burridge (Noviello), during my junior year at Fairfield. We now have two amazing children — Arden (6) and Becks (3). We loved Fairfield so much that we bought a home just steps from campus, and we enjoy attending games and University events as a family throughout the year. Michele and I both work at Meridian Risk Management alongside Joe Solimine (Baseball '89), Thomas Clements (Soccer '09), and many other proud Fairfield alumni. We’re all deeply engaged with the alumni community and take great pride in supporting the University however we can.
