Coach Tara has developed a reputation for cultivating winning teams and empowering athletes both on and off the court. Her leadership is marked by a deep understanding of the game, a commitment to developing player skills, and an unwavering dedication to fostering teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. Passionate about making a positive impact, Tara continues to inspire and lead by example, pushing her athletes to reach their full potential on and off the court. As a former collegiate player, Tara draws from her own experiences to guide her athletes through the challenges of balancing sports, academics, and personal growth. Full Bio Here...

Ryan is a passionate coach with over 5 years of experience. Ryan brings a deep love for the game and a commitment to developing well-rounded players. Having played in High School -- Ryan understands first-hand the dedication, discipline and teamwork required to succeed on the court. As a head coach, Ryan focuses on fostering a positive team culture, building strong fundamentals and improving basketball IQ in athletes of all ages. With a player-centered approach, Ryan is dedicated to helping players reach their full potential both on and off the court.

Coach Dan Michel brings a lifelong passion for basketball to the court, with experience as a high school player, referee for youth ages 10 to 18, and head coach of Tomlinson Middle School Basketball for the past two years. His coaching style emphasizes intensity, cooperation and discipline — core values that help players grow not only in skill but also as strong, team-oriented individuals. Under his leadership, athletes learn to play with purpose, support one another and develop a competitive edge rooted in teamwork.

Michelle Cavanaugh has been passionate about sports from a young age, with basketball, soccer, and long-distance running holding special places in her heart. A standout athlete in high school, Michelle was a three-year varsity basketball starter and has continued her love for the game by playing in adult leagues. She brings over five years of youth coaching experience in basketball and soccer through Fairfield recreational programs. Michelle loves coaching because it allows her to make a positive impact on young athletes, guiding them as they grow and develop both on and off the court. She is committed to teaching life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and grit, while also creating memorable experiences for her players. Michelle is dedicated to preparing her athletes for the expectations, speed, and physicality they will face as they continue their basketball journey into their pre-teen years.

Ricot has been a sports enthusiast his entire life, but basketball has been his favorite sport. Ricot was a two year varsity basketball starter for Trumbull High School and since then has continued to play in men's leagues. He has experience coaching various Summer, AAU and Recreational teams. Ricot enjoys coaching youth sports leagues (basketball & baseball) as he believes that learning the fundamentals at a young age leads to a well-rounded player and sets the kids up for success.

Matt played 4 years of Division III college basketball at Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut. Since his playing days, Matt has coached 5 years of High School Freshman basketball and as an assistant to the Varsity Head Coach. He has also coached 5 years youth travel in Westport. Matt has been with the Fairfield Fierce since the Spring ’17 season. In the fall ’18 season, he led our 8th grade team to the Zero Gravity War on the Floor Tournament Championship. Matt has a Masters in Physical Education, was a special education teacher in Milford for many years, and has recently become a Federal Correctional Officer!

Darren is a current boys basketball assistant coach at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. He was also a varsity captain at Ludlowe back in 2015, helping lead the Falcons to the schools first FCIAC Division Title. Darren now coaches with an emphasis on teaching players correct defensive positioning, offensive spacing and movement without the ball. Darren coaches to help prepare players for the expectations, speed and physicality that they can expect at the high school varsity level.

John started his basketball career playing at Brooklyn Powerhouse Boys and Girls High School. He went on to play JUCO basketball at Columbia-Greene and Mohawk Valley Community College, where he was named All-America in 1999. John concluded his college years playing for Dowling College; where he lead the basketball team to the Division II NCAA tournament. John Redding continues to hold the top ten all time in points per game, field goals made and attempted, and steals for Dowling College. John began coaching inner-city youth in his home town of New York City and continues to coach middle school students in varied cities throughout Connecticut; with a total of 10 years in coaching.

Jon played basketball at Bunnell High School in Stratford, CT and was a member of the team’s first Southwest Conference Championship. Jon began coaching at Green Farms Academy while he was earning his undergraduate degree from Fairfield University. His final project for undergrad looked at communication between teammates on the basketball court and how it leads to their success. Jon continues his love for sports every day as he oversees the Club and Intramural Sports at Fairfield University. Jon completed his Masters in Communication in December 2019 which is why communication is always one of his main focuses with his players.