Carl Rees
A lot has changed in Fairfield’s Athletic Department over the past 13 years. Some coaches have left while others have arrived. Teams have battled through to have some great seasons while other teams have fallen short. With all the constant change that surrounds the world of college sports, one thing has remained the same at Fairfield. That is Coach Carl Rees leading the men’s soccer team to continued success.
His resume speaks for itself. Since arriving at Fairfield, Rees has produced 10 winning seasons, 3 MAAC titles, and 1 NCAA tournament win. His program has allowed many athletes to succeed on and off the field, but Rees credits much of his success to the University.
“The University itself is the biggest reason we have had success. The academic reputation, the support for our athletic programs here make Fairfield a very attractive option for top soccer recruits,” Rees said.
Recruiting has been one of Rees’ biggest accomplishments. The Stags’ success has received national recognition multiple times. In 2001, the Stags reached an all-time high, ranking 12th in the nation while ranking 15th twice (2000 and 2007) and 17th in 2007. The continued attention has helped make Fairfield an attractive place for athletes domestic and foreign. This year’s roster features players from all over the world including England, New Zealand, and Ontario.
International recruiting is something Rees realizes has become extremely important around the league. The competition in leagues like the MAAC isn’t getting any easier and this is one way to get an advantage.
Rees said, “All the Universities are recruiting internationally these days. We like the diversity in our dressing room and I feel we all benefit from the eclectic nature of our group.”
Coming to America as an international player is something Coach Rees can relate to. It wasn’t too long ago that he was making the same transition. Originally from Bebington, England, Rees decide to make the leap to Oneonta, New York, where he played four years for Hartwick College.
During his time at Hartwick, Rees played three years as a defender before switching to forward in his senior year. He was the team caption in his junior and senior years and graduated on the Dean’s list in 1988. Rees was inducted in the Hartwick Hall of Fame in 2007.
From his various playing experiences, it is easy to see why Coach Rees has brought success to Fairfield but along with his playing years, Rees found no greater influence to than his former Coach, Jim Lennox.
Lennox coached for 26 years at Hartwick, piling up 318 wins with only 163 losses. He was also inducted into the Hartwick Hall of fame and led the team to two Div 1 final fours during Rees’ time there. 21 years later, the two remain close.
“My time at Hartwick was one of the happiest times of my life. I was very fortunate to play for Jim Lennox who was a great mentor. We are still very close and if I become half the coach he is I will be satisfied,” he said.
With over 115 victories and a growing program, Rees is well on is way to becoming that good.
Leave a Reply