Fairfield University Men’s Soccer season is in full swing as the team looks to continue their fantastic run in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference competition. Carl Rees, head coach for men’s soccer, has lead this team for almost two decades and he shows no signs of slowing down.
The Bebington, England native has the utmost respect from his players. Coach Rees establishes a mood of urgency and determination with every practice and game to return to MAAC championship glory with a National Collegiate Athletic Association postseason berth.
He knows exactly what it takes to recapture a MAAC title and NCAA berth and he believes every practice and game can work as a lesson for his team.
“We need to take what we learned since day one in preseason to the last minute of the win over Temple and put that into effect during the MAAC competition,” said the Hartwick alum. “That’s what it’s going to take. Also, we have to continue doing what we are doing, the team has momentum right now.”
The former Hartwick player has an astounding 99-38-12 record among MAAC opponents. He seems to know his nemeses’ strengths and weaknesses well, but he gives all the credit to his team.
“At the end of the day, it involves the players. Having the tools to attract good players, like a beautiful campus, a great degree, three miles from the beach and an hour from Manhattan, all that brings in good players, and good people. And all the wins in large part will be based on the character,” said Rees.
The former Fédération Internationale de Football Association worker is aware of what a difference players can make that are needed to receive that extra push later in the season.
“I think we’re looking at leadership and this is a hungry group, and the staff is included. I don’t think there are more motivated groups than us to get this done. You can sense it all the time,” said the Hartwick College Hall of Fame member.
Coach Rees never loses sight of how important academics are. He strives for his players to do their best academically. Fifty-one Stags have achieved MAAC All-Academic Honors and Rees is proud to have that on his resume.
“ When guys come through the program, it’s not about the four years that you are here. It’s about the forty years when you leave and the degree is certainly going to help. The academic standing is more important,” said Rees.
The master’s graduate from Frostburg State loves to incorporate his own experiences as a player and coach. He always thanks the game of soccer that he adores.
“Football has dictated my entire life since I was five years old. It paid for my education, master’s degree. I am very in debt to this game,” he said. “What I learned is that not one game is the same as the next. I have played in two Final Fours so it helps prepare them for a championship run.”
The Fairfield Stags Men’s Soccer squad is in great hands with Rees at the helm. He displays confidence and reliability to his team and fans. He knows what it takes to garner a winning season and another MAAC title. The Stags and their fans hope for the same.
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