Alaska Nanooks Athletics: Hockey, volleyball and swimming this week

Sept. 24, 2026

— By Brock Anundson, director of UAF Athletics

The 2026-27 season is officially underway, and there is a lot of excitement building across Alaska Nanooks Athletics. This week, Nanook Nation gets a chance to see three of our programs in action as hockey, volleyball and swimming take center stage, each bringing plenty of energy, tradition and competitive spirit to the blue and gold.

Leading the early charge is Nanook volleyball, which has opened the season with another historic start, including a tournament championship and a consistent top 25 national ranking, following a historic season last year. Cough, cough… a GNAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance! The team has again shown an impressive combination of talent, grit and chemistry, while also benefiting from an incredible home-court atmosphere at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium.

Head Coach Brian Scott has talked about a different feeling surrounding this team: a group that is connected, competitive, and playing for something bigger than itself. They’re playing for their teammates, for UAF, for Nanook Nation, and, perhaps, with a little extra motivation now that they’ve had a taste of the postseason. Whatever the fuel, the results have been exciting to watch, and this group is just getting started.

And now, Nanook hockey is back. The return of hockey to the Carlson Center brings with it one of Fairbanks' great traditions: passionate fans, a tremendous game-day atmosphere and the opportunity to showcase Nanook hockey to our community. The Blue and Gold Game helped kick off the season with a fun night for our student-athletes, students, fans and community, including a little friendly competition and some good-natured coaching from Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins. Now, it’s time to drop the puck and get the season underway.

We’re also excited to welcome Nanook swimming back into competition. Our swimmers have been working hard behind the scenes, and this week offers another opportunity to see their dedication, discipline and energy at their intersquad meet this weekend. From the pool to the court to the ice, our student-athletes continue to represent UAF with tremendous pride.

What makes this season especially exciting is the momentum building throughout the entire department. New coaches, athletic trainers, staff members and student-athletes have joined the Nanook family, while returning members of our programs continue to provide the experience and leadership that make our teams special. Together, they’re building on the culture that makes Alaska Nanooks Athletics successful.

That culture extends well beyond competition. The success of our programs is truly a campus-wide effort, with university partners across UAF playing an important role in supporting our student-athletes and teams. We’re grateful for the continued support of new UA President Matt Cooper as he ushers in a new era for the University of Alaska, and for the vision and foundation being established by UAF Chancellor Russ Vander Lugt and the entire university leadership team. Together, we’re creating a strong pathway forward for Nanook Athletics, UAF, and the students and community we serve.

We’re equally proud of the connection our student-athletes continue to build with the Fairbanks community. Whether they’re volunteering in local schools, participating in community events, supporting food drives, or simply being visible throughout the community, our student-athletes understand that being a Nanook is about more than what happens on game day.

And none of this happens without our incredible Alaska Nanooks Athletics staff. From operations and compliance to marketing, sports information, facilities, fundraising, and everything in between, our team works every day behind the scenes to create opportunities for our student-athletes and deliver an experience our university and community can be proud of.

There is a lot happening across Nanook Nation and this week is just another great example.

So come out, pack the stands, bring your friends, wear your blue and gold, and be part of it. Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, alum, parent, longtime Nanook fan, or new to the family, there’s a place for you in Nanook Nation.

Let’s go, Nooks!

To learn more about Alaska Nanooks Athletics, schedules, tickets and opportunities to get involved, visit alaskananooks.com.