All-American midfielder Zach Miller is not enrolled at Denver nor practicing with the men's lacrosse team, Inside Lacrosse reported Monday. It's a significant loss for the Pioneers, who are ranked No. 1 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Preseason Top 20. Head coach Bill Tierney told IL that Miller is taking time away from school for personal reasons.

"Obviously, being closer to his daughter, Annamae, will make him happier, as the rigors of school and missing her eventually took their toll," Tierney said.

Miller, also a member of the Iroquois national team, has 91 goals and 77 assists in three seasons and was a first-team USILA All-American in 2016.

Denver, which has become a perennial final four contender and won the NCAA championship in 2015, remains highly favored to get back to championship weekend. Tewaaraton finalist Connor Cannizzaro anchors the attack, first-team All-American Christian Burgdorf returns on defense and second-team All-American Tyler Pace now becomes the top threat at midfield.

The Pioneers will visit Johns Hopkins for a preseason scrimmage Jan 28 in Baltimore and will open the season with six straight home games starting Feb. 11 against Air Force.