For Fairfield University Men's Club Lacrosse, Teddy O'Keefe has become a name synonymous with leadership, consistency, and grit. A member of the Class of 2026, O'Keefe, an Accounting and Finance major from Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, has made a lasting impact on the program both on and off the field.
Growing up as the middle of three brothers, O'Keefe was surrounded by Fairfield ties early on, with both of his brothers attending the university. Before arriving on campus, he attended Northern Highlands Regional High School, where he began to stand out not just as an athlete, but as a leader. While lacrosse ultimately became his primary sport, O'Keefe was a multi-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball throughout his childhood. In high school, he focused on football and lacrosse, eventually earning the role of captain for his lacrosse team.
His connection to the sport runs deep. "I started playing lacrosse at a young age because my parents grew up playing, along with a lot of uncles and cousins," O'Keefe shared. That family influence helped shape not only his love for the game, but also his understanding of what it means to be part of a team.
O'Keefe joined Fairfield's Men's Club Lacrosse team during his sophomore year, drawn in by both the competitive nature of the program and the strong friendships he already had with players on the roster. Since then, he has played a key role in the team's growth and success.
That impact has not gone unnoticed. This season, O'Keefe was nominated for Club Sports Player of the Year—an honor he approaches with humility. "It's an honor to be nominated, and I'm very grateful for my teammates and peers that put my name in for this award," he said. His teammates noticed his hard work this season as well as his strong leadership on and off the field.
Leadership is something O'Keefe consistently emphasizes, whether it's through his play, his presence with the team, or his approach to mentoring younger teammates. When asked how he would describe the team in one word, his answer was simple: gritty—a reflection of the team's identity and the culture he has helped build.
One of the defining moments of O'Keefe's time with the program came this year, as Fairfield qualified for the national tournament. After falling just short in previous seasons, the achievement marked a major breakthrough for the team and a testament to their persistence. "This is a very big achievement because of how close we have been the past few years," O'Keefe noted.
Beyond wins and accolades, O'Keefe highlights the relationships and experiences as the most meaningful part of being involved in club sports. For students considering joining, his advice is simple: go for it. "It's fun, competitive, and you can make a great group of friends by playing on a team."
As graduation approaches, O'Keefe hopes to leave behind a sense of confidence and continued competitiveness within the program—something future players can build on. While he is still exploring full-time opportunities, he plans to pursue a career in the New York City area, continuing to apply the discipline and leadership he developed through lacrosse.
For Fairfield Men's Club Lacrosse, Teddy O'Keefe's impact goes beyond the stat sheet. It's in the culture, the mindset, and the standard he helped set—one defined by effort, leadership, and grit.
