DETROIT -- Wayne State University freshman defender Ellie Whalen (Commerce Township, Mich. / Pontiac Notre Dame Prep) was named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week.  Whalen becomes the second straight Warrior to receive the honor, following redshirt senior defender Reagan Brengman (Harrison Township, Mich. / Warren Regina [Northwood]), as WSU has claimed both Defensive Player of the Week awards through the first two weeks of the 2026 season. 

Whalen played a key role as the Warriors improved to 4-0 with two shutout results against Ohio Dominican (4-0) and at Madonna (2-0) last week.  The rookie logged 75 minutes, while contributing to consecutive clean sheets, helping Wayne State remain the only GLIAC team yet to allow a goal.

Whalen also made program history on the offensive end, scoring in the 21st minute against Ohio Dominican for the first home goal in WSU history.  The tally was also the first of her collegiate career. 

"Congratulations to Ellison," said WSU head coach Doug Steinard.  "Her ability to learn a new position in the last month has been really impressive.  Ellie's work rate and ability to defend in one on one situations is a part of the reason we have had early success.  Credit goes out to the whole team for their attitude towards defending.  Scoring the program's first home goal and it being her first career goal as well will be something that she remembers forever."

Whalen and the Warriors will open GLIAC play on Friday at Ferris State with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.