Former Pioneer takes

on leadership role

in Portland

William Wren, a former defensemen for the Pioneers, was named captain of the Portland Winterhawks hockey team for the 2011-2012 season earlier this month.

The 20-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, played 23 games for DU in 2009-2010 before a hip injury ended his freshman season. He saw limited playing time during his sophomore season and left in order to “start fresh,” he said.

Wren has previous leadership experience from his time as a captain for both the L.A. Selects and the USA U-18 National Team during the 2008-2009 season.

After a summer program of rehabilitation and technical skating skills, Wren said his hip is much stronger. Before his injury, Wren was the 43rd overall pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 2009 draft.

Kingsley earns

national recognition,

third SBC honor

Junior Faimie Kingsley was recognized as a national top performer by the Collegiate Volleyball Update last week, adding another award to her collection this season.

Kingsley, a middle blocker for the Pioneers, also received her third title as Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week last Monday after totaling 48 kills in three matches, with a hitting percentage of .600. She also contributed 16 blocks and six digs.

In addition to this week, Kingsley was recognized with back-to-back titles Sept. 19 and Sept. 26. Kingsley leads the Pioneers this season with 297 kills.

SBC recognizes

sophomore swimmer

Sophomore Kyle Milberg was named the Sun Belt Conference Male Swimmer of the Week after his performance at the Denver Relays last week.

Milberg’s performance helped the Pioneers attain a 1st place team finish. He recorded two 1st-place finishes (3×100 Backstroke and 4×100 IM Relay) and three 2nd-place finishes (200 medley relay, 400 freestyle relay and 100 freestyle relay).

“Kyle is off to a good start,” said head coach Brian Schrader. “He is faster than he was last year at this point. This is a fun and great way to start the season for him.”