GNAC Preseason Poll (Click Here)
GNAC Preseason All-Conference Team (Click Here)

FAIRBANKS - The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) announced their Volleyball Preseason All-Conference Team on Friday, August 18. Karli Nielson of the Nanooks volleyball team was the lone 'Nook on the list. This is Nielson's second-consecutive season honored as a preseason All-Conference member. 

"It's great to see Karli recognized for her and her teammates' efforts to prepare for this season. Karli has put in extra effort this off-season to prepare for this fall and has great teammates pushing her to be at the top of her game. We can't wait to see what they accomplish this season," said head coach Brian Scott. 

In her sophomore season, Nielson averaged 2.73 kills per set – the highest figure by an Alaska player since Lahra Weber notched 2.80 kills per set in 2019. Nielson made her presence felt all season long, picking up 306 kills with a .205 hit percentage to go along with her 2.73 kills per set. Nielson added 34 service aces as well, good for second on the Nanooks. 

On the defensive end, Nielson added an additional 87 digs, with .78 digs per set. As well as 48 total blocks, 45 of which were assisted with three solos. 

This announcement follows the GNAC's release of their 2023 GNAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll that selected the Nanooks to finish sixth this upcoming season. Read more about that announcement here.

Their 2023-24 season officially starts on August 24 at home at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium in the Patty Center with matches against Hawaii Hilo and Chaminade. View the whole 2023 schedule here.

Ticketing to all Nanook events will be released very soon. 

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks volleyball team, follow @NanooksVB on Instagram or Twitter, or like the Alaska Nanooks Volleyball team page on Facebook.