Diaries
FAIRFIELD, C.T. – On the coast of Connecticut lies Fairfield University. There is a warm sensation that draws people from I-95 into the gates of Stag Country. It could be the foliage around along the hills or the turkeys running on campus, but what it must become is the athletics that puts FU on the map.
At the center of this effort is JJ Duke, the voice of Fairfield University Athletics. As a play-by-play announcer for the Stags Sports Network, Duke has become more than just the voice behind the mic—he’s a key figure in shaping how fans experience Fairfield sports.
Duke represents more than just a contract with the university, he is using the network to build a legacy.
With the establishment of the Stags Sports Network in the last decade, Duke’s voice became a trusted and enthusiastic companion for fans tuning in to watch men’s and women’s soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and women’s basketball. His passion and professionalism have not only elevated game broadcasts but also brought the energy of Fairfield Athletics to life, one play at a time, especially for those tuning in from home.
Passion Into Profession
JJ Duke’s path to becoming one of Fairfield University’s go-to sports commentators began with a notebook in hand and a seat in the high school bleachers here in Connecticut. As a teenager, Duke cut his teeth covering sports for his school newspaper, interviewing players, coaches, and anyone who could give insight into the games he loved to watch.
Heading to Rider University, he had already developed a knack for storytelling, but there, he found his voice—literally. Duke traded the written word for the microphone, stepping into the world of play-by-play commentary for Rider’s athletic programs, with baseball and soccer becoming his specialties, as well as breaking into the radio world, attempting to follow into one of his inspirations footsteps, John Sterling.
Graduating in 2008, Duke took the scenic route into the industry, spending several years freelancing around Connecticut. The work wasn’t always glamorous, but it built a foundation. Then came the call in 2014. Fairfield University needed a commentator for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference softball game, and Duke was up for the challenge, ironically against his alma mater.
“Can’t say I wasn’t showing a little bit of favor to Rider in the first and second innings, but it actually helped me as a first professional gig because I saw how to keep an even eye.” Duke said.
His ability to bring games to life quickly earned him another assignment: lacrosse games in 2015.
By 2016, Fairfield decided to make it official, hiring Duke to be a consistent voice for its athletic programs. For Duke, it was the culmination of years of hard work, a journey that started with scribbled notes on high school sidelines and led to center stage at Rafferty Stadium.
Outside of the Fairfield media box, Duke is found all around the MAAC league, doing some work up the road at Sacred Heart University, as well as Quinnipiac University.
To add to his array of sports he covers at these universities, minor league soccer is another opportunity for fans at-home to hear his voice. Hartford City FC took in Duke to be the speaker of their house during his summers off from collegiate athletics.
The Voice of a Changing Era
Since the launch of the Stags Sports Network, Duke has been a cornerstone of Fairfield’s athletic storytelling. Coaches, athletes, and even students working behind the scenes have praised his commitment to excellence and his ability to create a narrative that resonates with fans.
"Let's face it," Duke said, "unfortunately, in this country, people support winners." And Fairfield, through its dedication to enhancing the student-athlete experience, has been striving to produce winning programs—not just on the scoreboard but in fan engagement and community spirit.
The challenges, however, were daunting. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed school spirit and fan involvement, leaving Fairfield’s athletic culture to be rebuilt from the ground up. Duke’s broadcasts served as a virtual handshake during this period, keeping fans connected even when in-person attendance wasn’t possible.
Leveled the Playing Field
Grace Slater, senior women’s lacrosse captain, remarks how JJ Duke has influenced her playing abilities and allowed her to become a highly celebrated player for the team.
“JJ creates such an amazing environment for not only for my team and I to watch back on film days, but also for my grandparents who can’t make the trip every weekend to Connecticut.” Slater said.
This sentiment speaks volumes about JJ Duke’s profound impact—not just as a commentator, but as a bridge between Fairfield Athletics and its community.
Duke has become a voice that transcends the stadiums and arenas. For players like Slater, his commentary adds a personal touch to their experiences, making each game feel like a shared story.
“It’s more than just calling the game,” Slater continued. “It’s about connecting us with the fans, our families, and even alumni who can’t physically be there to support us. JJ brings the energy of every game right into their homes.”
Duke’s influence extends beyond the playing field, creating a future where Fairfield Athletics thrives in the spotlight. His enthusiastic and knowledgeable commentary has elevated the visibility of Fairfield’s sports programs, drawing attention to the talent and heart within each team. As Fairfield strives to build its athletic reputation, the Stags Sports Network, with Duke at the helm, has become an essential part of this journey.
Building a New Home for Excellence
A critical turning point came with the opening of the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. Those red folding seats have become a beacon of hope and pride for Fairfield Athletics. The women’s basketball team’s first home game at the arena was a milestone moment, drawing a crowd of 1,500 fans—a remarkable feat considering many programs across the country struggle to attract even 300 attendees for the sport.
"That night at Mahoney was electric," Duke said. "It was proof that when you give the community something to be proud of, they show up."
In a constant sweat from the excitement, maybe some nerves, and a now seen accomplishment from the program, his call of the game captured the potential of what Fairfield Athletics could and have become: a rallying point for the university and its supporters.
A Culture Worth Supporting
Fairfield’s campus is unique, blending academic rigor with a lively coastal lifestyle. Seniors often find themselves signing leases for beach houses to enjoy the serene Long Island Sound, but as Duke points out, the beach will always be there. The thrill of a two- or three-hour game, shared with friends and fellow fans, creates memories that last far beyond graduation. But it’s hard to argue that it can’t also come from your own home.
Senior sports lover, Jack McCarvill, expressed his gratitude for Duke’s ability to make a game streamed from his laptop with his feet in the sand feel like the real-deal.
“People tend to overlook our women’s basketball team, but my house and I are game-to-game watchers, and honestly, I can give that partially to JJ and how he makes every game watched from my home like a real Mahoney experience.” McCarvill said.
Under Duke’s influence, the Stags Sports Network continues to be a catalyst for widening the horizons of what Fairfield Athletics can achieve. His enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring athletes to perform their best and fans to invest in the Fairfield experience.
How could one pick a favorite called game when there are so many to choose from? For Duke, the answer was hidden among years of Fairfield’s numerous MAAC titles, so it was a combination of two sports. Happening at the same time.
“I will never forget the women’s lacrosse game against Wagner last spring that fell on the same day as the MAAC Championship for women’s basketball. With the girls at Rafferty up roughly 12-2, my call partner and I put the basketball game on my phone.” Duke said. “We knew it was a blow out for lacrosse, so I had to just tune into the girls at Mahoney to see them win an undefeated season that, honestly, I was jealous I wasn’t there for.”
The Path Ahead
As Fairfield Athletics looks to the future, the foundation Duke has helped build serves as a launchpad for even greater achievements. Whether it’s through packed arenas, energized students, or nationally recognized broadcasts, Fairfield is poised to rise as a university where athletics thrive.
Parents thank JJ for all he does for the school’s athletic programs. Walking out of games, he’s greeted with handshakes and pats on the back. Duke has no effect on those in the stands, but every person on that field and in the bleachers has someone at home that has constant gratitude for the man behind the mic.
For those who enter the gates of Stag Country, the turkeys may charge at you, but the call to action is clear: embrace the passion, cheer for the Stags, and be part of something that’s becoming bigger than anyone ever imagined. With JJ Duke’s voice leading the way, the rise of Fairfield Athletics is only just beginning.