Alaska colleges add gymnastics and hockey talent as baseball league honors top performers
University of Alaska Anchorage unveiled five gymnastics newcomers, including transfer Aiyana Thomas, while Alaska Fairbanks added defenseman Max Rud, and the Alaska Baseball League announced its All-League selections.
On Aug. 5, the University of Alaska Anchorage gymnastics team announced five new athletes: four true freshmen and junior transfer Aiyana Thomas, who joined after Fisk University discontinued its program. Head coach Marie-Sophie Boggasch praised Thomas for her NCAA background and bar work. The University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey program added redshirt junior defenseman Max Rud, a former Minnesota player who appeared in 43 games and recorded a goal and 15 blocked shots last season; coach Erik Largen highlighted his size and mobility.
The Alaska Baseball League concluded its 2026 season by awarding Coaching Staff of the Year to the Mat-Su Miners, naming Peninsula Oilers outfielder Brooks Hasenclever Player of the Year, and releasing comprehensive First- and Second-Team All-League rosters. In parallel, the Arctic Winter Games International Committee confirmed Fairbanks will host the 2028 Games, restoring the event to its biennial schedule.
Why it matters
These updates show how Alaska's collegiate sports programs are strengthening talent pipelines and highlight the region's role in hosting major Arctic events.
In this story