Fairfield University head women’s soccer coach Jim O’Brien has announced that Robyn Decker (Chester, Conn.), Caroline Downey (Springfield, Mass.) and Ahna Johnson (Hamden, Conn.) have been named team captains for the 2008 season.

“I have selected three outstanding student-athletes to lead our team as captains in 2008,” said O’Brien.  “All three have been a model of consistency since their freshmen year and my staff and I look forward to working with them as we prepare for the coming fall season.”

Decker, a graduate of Mercy High School, has 59 career starts in 61 games played in her collegiate career.  This past season she was named to the All-MAAC First Team for her work in the midfield and back.   In each of the last two seasons she has added two assists.

“Robyn’s work rate and commitment to the team has no match,” said O’Brien.  “Since her arrival on campus in 2005 she has been a team leader and consistent starter.”

Downey, a graduate of Cathedral High School, started all 21 games for the Stags as a junior in the back.  She made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting eight games, in helping Fairfield to a MAAC title, and earning a spot on the All-MAAC Rookie Team.

“Caroline is an ultimate competitor,” said O’Brien, “who continues to impress on the field, while handling a heavy academic load.”

Johnson, a graduate of Hamden High School, has seen action in 59 games in her career at Fairfield, with 57 starts to her credit.  She was named an NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America East Region this season and is a two-time All-MAAC Academic Team selection.  She has been named to the All-MAAC First Team each of the last two seasons, and enters her senior season with 14 career goals and nine career assists.  

“Ahna’s athleticism and skill are a combination that is a pleasure to watch and work with,” O’Brien said.  “She is one of the best and brightest at the University, with a high GPA as a double major in information finance and physics and a mathematics minor.”