ANNVILLE, PA.(October 6, 2026) -- King's College men's soccer junior goalkeeper Ben Van Valkenburg was named the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office Tuesday morning.

Van Valkenburg helped the Monarchs earn a pair of 1-1 draws last week against Susquehanna University and Stevens, making nine saves across the two matches. He recorded five saves against Susquehanna before making four saves against Stevens, including three consecutive stops late in the second half to help preserve the draw.

Van Valkenburg has started 10 of King's 11 matches this season, recording 38 saves with a .745 save percentage while allowing one goal or fewer in eight of his 10 appearances.

This marks the second time in Van Valkenburg's career that he has been named MAC Freedom Defensive Player of the Week, with his first honor coming during the week of October 14, 2024.

The Monarchs return to action Wednesday, traveling to Glenside, Pa., for a 6:00 p.m. MAC Freedom matchup against Arcadia University.