NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Former Niagara men's soccer standout and current volunteer assistant coach Rene De Zorzi ('13) will be suiting up for the Kitsap Pumas, an American professional soccer team based in Bremerton, Wash., for their summer season.  The organization plays in the USL Premier Development League (PDL). 

"I'd like to congratulate Rene for signing with the Kitsap Pumas," head coach Erin Barnes said.  "He has the opportunity to experience another part of the country and step into a leadership role in the team.  I'm sure he's going to be an asset to their squad this summer before rejoining our staff next fall."

The 2012 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year was a key member of the Niagara defense for four seasons, backstopping the Purple and White to the program's first conference title and NCAA tournament appearance.  De Zorzi had a career senior season which saw him garner career-highs in goals, assists and points en route to being named to the All-MAAC First Team.  

The Maple, Ont. native started in 79 games which ranks him fourth on NU's games started list, while contributing 18 points off six goals and six assists in that span.  

The Pumas kick start the PDL season against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 11.