Javier Decima

Javier Decima is the former Associate Head Soccer Coach at Fairfield University from 2019-2024, after serving as a volunteer goalkeeper coach and later as the first assistant. Decima had been with Stags program since 2010 before stepping away from the program in 2024.

Decima’s influence has showed dividends, as two of Fairfield’s goalkeepers - Michael O’Keeffe (New Zealand) and Matt Turner (USA) have gone to play at the pro level and represented their country's National team.

From 2010 to 2012, Decima coached O’Keeffe, who became a three-time All MAAC First Team selection. O’Keeffe was awarded the MAAC 2011 Defensive Player of the Year and MAAC All-Tournament team. In 2012, he received a call up to the New Zealand Men’s National Team for 2012 OFC Nations Cup. O’Keeffe was also selected for the New Zealand team that participated in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He signed a pro contract with Team Wellington in New Zealand ASB Premiership in 2014.

In 2014, Turner was awarded the NCAA Statistical Champion for Best Save Percentage and Shutout Percentage in the Nation. He was also selected to MAAC All-Tournament team. In 2015 he was named All MAAC second team. Matt signed a professional contract with MLS side New England Revolution in 2016. Matt was selected as the 2020 Revolution Team MVP, 2021 MLS All-Star Game MVP, 2021 MLS Best XI and 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. He has gone to represent the USMNT winning the Gold Cup and Golden Glove. This summer, he signed a multi-year contract with Arsenal FC from the EPL League.

From 2017 to 2020, he coached Gordon Botterill who was named a 2018 and 2020 All-MAAC first team goalkeeper in addition to earning All-MAAC second team honors in n 2017 and 2019 . In 2018 and 2020 ,Botterill was chosen as the MAAC Goalkeeper of the Year.

Decima is heavily involved in all aspects of Fairfield University's program. Some of the more specific tasks include academic development of student athletes; assistance in game situations; overseeing the goalkeeper training and assisting the head coach with session planning and field set up; lead recruiting of potential student athletes and handling administrative responsibilities associated with the program operations, which involve recruiting logistics and planning, team travel details and equipment.

Decima spent two years at Ulster Community College playing under Hall of Fame coach George Vizvary. During his stay there, he won a Region 15 title and placed 3rd in the 2001 National Junior College Tournament.

After Ulster Community College, Decima transferred to the University of Bridgeport. There he won an ECAC championship and was selected to the NYCAC 2nd team in 2003 and 1st team in 2004. He was also recognized as ADIDAS All-Region Team in 2004.

He is currently the goalkeeper director for Beachside of Connecticut a MLSNEXT Academy. He is also the co-founder of Keepermax Goalkeeper Academy.

Decima is a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a BS in Psychology After graduation, he became a graduate assistant for two years on the men’s soccer staff and earned his MS in counseling.

He holds an NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma and an NSCAA National Diploma.

Decima currently resides in Stamford, CT with his wife Lindsay and son Maximiliano.