Leadership, experience, and unfinished business define the Fairfield University women’s softball team as it enters the 2026 season. Coming off a 26–26 (18–7 MAAC) season that ended in the MAAC Tournament semifinals, the Stags return a veteran core focused on taking the final step toward a conference championship under head coach Julie Brzezinski.
Alyssa Weinberg, a senior left-hander, enters her final season as one of the most decorated pitchers in program history. Weinberg earned national recognition during the offseason, being named DI Softball’s Mid-Major Top 100 and All-MAAC Preseason Team following a dominant 2025 campaign.
Last season, Weinberg posted an 18–10 record with a 2.29 ERA and struck out 190 batters across 180 innings. She was responsible for the majority of Fairfield’s wins from the circle and already ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in strikeouts (318), placing her in the top five in school history.
Despite the accolades, Weinberg believes she still has room to grow. “My biggest focus this offseason was attention to detail,” Weinberg said. “I worked on all my pitches and perfecting my spins so when it comes time to play in a game, I know I am ready. The little things are what win games.”
That mindset is driven by a taste of championship contention last season, as Fairfield earned the No. 2 seed in the MAAC Tournament before a semifinal exit left the returning players hungry for more. The Stags fell in a heartbreaking 6–5 loss to Siena University, mounting a late seventh-inning comeback that came up just short.
“With the season not ending the way we wanted, it really brings a fire to us this year. Every year the goal is to win, but this year especially for the seniors, it means more,” Weinberg said.
While Weinberg anchors the pitching staff, Fairfield’s defensive identity begins on the left side of the infield with senior captain Anna Paravati. The reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Year was a steady presence at third base last season, recording 77 assists while posting a .967 fielding percentage. Offensively, Paravati hit .331 with 33 RBI and opened the year with a 13-game hitting streak.
“I try to put my best foot forward for myself and my team,” Paravati said. “Our team has a history of great defense, and we’ve been working indoors and outdoors, sometimes multiple practices a day. Establishing that work ethic early will pay off in the long run”.
Another notable leader on the Stags roster is senior captain, Delaney Whieldon. She finished last season as one of the MAAC’s top catchers. Whieldon hit .301 with a team high four home runs, all while posting a .992 fielding percentage behind the plate.
Offensively, Fairfield returns several proven contributors, including sophomore Ava Armuth. In her rookie season, Armuth recorded 11 extra-base hits and 19 RBIs. As she continues to gain experience, the Stags will look to lean more heavily on Armuth to help anchor the lineup and fill a larger role moving forward.
Outfielder Charli Warren, a 2025 graduate, leaves behind a significant presence at the top of the order. Warren led the team in batting average last season (.380), set a program record with 46 runs scored, and led the MAAC with 25 stolen bases. Over her Fairfield career, she finished top three all-time in both triples (13) and stolen bases (84). Replacing her speed, on-base ability, and leadership will be one of the Stags’ biggest challenges.
Rather than relying on a single player to fill that role, Fairfield looks to manufacture offense by committee, emphasizing lineup flexibility and execution. That collective approach reflects a broader sense of confidence entering 2026.
“This year, we’re definitely more mature and seasoned. We have a lot of returners and a lot of upperclassmen. We all understand what’s expected of us and what it takes to win,” Weinberg said.
Fairfield opens the season at the three-team University of Houston Tournament on Friday, beginning with an 11 a.m. EST matchup against Houston Christian before facing host Houston at 5 p.m. The opening weekend marks the start of the team’s longest road trip of the season and provides an early opportunity to test itself against strong non-conference competition. The Stags will face UNC Greensboro, which finished last season 39-18 (14-6 Southern Conference), and Columbia University, which finished 24-18 (15-6 Ivy League).