Spokane Braves alumnus Derek Humphreys has been named captain of the Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons for this season.
Humphreys is in his senior year in the NCAA D3 program and has a goal in four games.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be the captain and lead our team. For me, it’s about being someone the guys can count on, whether that’s holding people accountable or picking them up when things aren’t going great,” says Humphreys. “One of my strengths is leading by example simply because I believe actions speak louder than words. When the guys see that, it builds trust. Having this responsibility really pushes me to give my best for my teammates every day.”
In his previous three seasons, the Spokane, Wash., native has 27 goals and 18 assists for 45 points in 73 games. Last season he had 15 goals and 22 points in 27 games. Humphreys is focused on what he can control and brings the same effort and attitude every day.
“On a team level, we want to keep building something special,” he says. “Improving the group and getting a little better everyday, and also building the culture we’ve started from when I was a freshman.”
Humphreys played for the Braves from 2018-2020 and had 60 points in 55 regular season games. Humphreys says his two years in Spokane were “huge” for his development.
“Coming into the league as an undersized ‘late bloomer’ who had just begun to mature physically made it difficult, but coach Mike Bay believed in me from day one and always pushed me to shoot as high as I could,” he says. “He saw potential in me and made it clear that my goals were within reach if I was willing to put the work in.”
