Friday Focus: Nanooks Athletics fired up for historic season
Brock Anundson, director of UAF Athletics
Sept. 18, 2025
— By Brock Anundson, director of UAF Athletics
The 2025-26 season is off to a hot start for ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Nanooks Athletics, and the energy across campus is undeniable. Leading the charge is your Nanook volleyball team, who recently brought home the Denali State Bank Ice Block Classic Championship with an unforgettable display of talent, grit, and team chemistry. All of it unfolded alongside one of the largest, most energetic crowds ever seen in the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Airlines Gymnasium, energized by the 3rd Annual Food Truck Rally. With a near-perfect start to their season (9-1) and the best beginning in program history, they’ve become the early spark that’s ignited Nanook Nation. And they're just getting started. In talking with Head Coach Brian Scott, he’s recognized there’s a different vibe this year. Everyone’s locked in, and they’re doing it not just for themselves, but for each other, for UAF, and maybe for just a bit of redemption from last year’s ending.
Excitement is building across all our programs, powered by an infusion of dynamic new coaches and athletic trainers who are already making a major impact. The passion here is real, and these coaches, staff members, and student-athletes are hungry for success. That success is also being fueled by some of the largest and most talented recruiting classes we’ve seen in years. All of which are driven by student-athletes who chose UAF because they believe in our culture and what we’re building. Combined with returners who know what it means to wear the blue and gold, this season is shaping up to be something special.
What makes this moment even more powerful is the way the entire university is coming together to support the mission. From Housing and Dining to Facilities, Student Life, Advancement, and beyond, every department plays a role in the success of our teams. It’s not just athletics, it’s a campus-wide effort. We’re proud of how every corner of UAF comes together to help us succeed. That spirit of unity extends into the Fairbanks community as well, where our student-athletes give back through volunteer work in schools, food drives, and local events… making a difference where it matters most.
We want to express a sincere thank you to Interim Chancellor Sfraga for his enthusiastic support of Nanook Athletics and for continuing to build on the strong foundation laid by Chancellor White. The belief in the power of sport to build leaders and connect communities has fueled this exciting new chapter. And of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Nanooks Athletics administration team. From operations to compliance, from marketing to sports information, their tireless work behind the scenes keeps this program moving forward with purpose and professionalism.
This year is more than a season; it’s a movement. Whether you're a student, staff member, alum, or Fairbanks community member, now is the time to get involved. Pack the stands… Wear your blue and gold… and cheer like never before. Because there’s excitement happening across Nanook Nation, and it’s just the beginning. Let’s go, Nooks!
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Go Nooks!
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF's leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is invited to contribute a column.