Drake Morse (Grand Rapids, MI) and McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) have been named the Pioneer Athletes of the Week for the week of February 23rd, 2026. 

Simmons balled out in her final collegiate game, coming up clutch to break the 1,000 point threshold right before closing the book on her Pioneer career. Simmons was unbelievable on the night, posting a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double while going 8-8 from the charity stripe to help push the team to a 64-55 win, capping off the season in exciting fashion. Simmons also dished out three assists and logged a single block and a single steal to seal the deal. Simmons became the 16th player in program history to surpass 1,000 points. 

Simmons wrapped up her college career this past Tuesday, with her and Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) playing in their final collegiate games. The women's basketball team also completed its campaign and now looks forward to next season with a solid group of returning players. 

Morse capped off a spectacular regular season with a stunning display of offensive production, securing a stellar six-point weekend as the Pioneers picked up five conference points against a tough Chatham team, clinching their 10th straight conference regular season title. The Pioneer captain scored four goals and racked up two assists over the course of the two-game set, increasing his season totals to an equal 16 goals and 16 assists. Morse was especially unstoppable in the second game, pouring in four goals and adding an apple on top, becoming just the 10th player in program history to notch four goals in a single outing. Morse's massive weekend helped give the regular season champs some powerful momentum heading into the postseason.

Morse and the men's hockey team will welcome one of Nazareth, Albertus Magnus, or Brockport for the UCHC Semifinals this Saturday, February 28th. Their opponent will be determined after Wednesday's first-round matchups. Saturday's game begins at 7:00 PM.