FAIRBANKS - Isaiah Saams-Hoy of the Nanooks men's basketball team and Elena Guc of the Nanooks volleyball team were selected as Nanooks' honorees for the November 2024 Warrior of the Month award. Warrior of the Month, presented by the Alaska Army National Guard, is an award highlighting students who excel on and off the court, in the classroom and on base or in the field. The Nanooks will present the awards at the Alaska hockey game tonight against Augustana.

Isaiah Saams-Hoy, Junior, Men's Basketball, Business Marketing
Saams-Hoy is an exceptional student and teammate; he carries himself like a successful adult. He can be counted on to be where he has to be when he has to be there. He is unafraid to communicate with players and hold them accountable. He plays harder than anyone else and never shirks responsibility or blames others. He is an elite-level competitor. He constantly shows up on time and is always prepared both physically and mentally. Saams-Hoy refs on weeknights, representing the men's basketball program and providing a necessary service for the basketball community. Prior to Christmas, he will volunteer at the Food Bank with the entire men's basketball team. 

Head Coach Frank Ostanik Quote
"I am excited to see Isaiah honored as the Warrior of the Month. Isaiah exemplifies what our program stands for. He is highly professional in his daily habits, he holds himself and others accountable and there is a toughness to him that is hard to find these days. Isaiah is not simply a very good player, but an exceptional teammate and human being. He personifies what our program stands for."

Elena Guc, Junior, Volleyball, Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Guc exemplifies all the qualities that her coaches, Brian Scott, Meagan Woods and Cate Atkins, want their athletes to have. She is a hardworking, dedicated student-athlete who wants the best for her teammates and herself. She is a reliable player who carries a heavy load, especially as she's become an upper-classman. Guc is diligent in her studies, which is reflected in her 4.0 GPA. She also gives it her all on the volleyball court. She demonstrates a great personality and cares about her teammates and the success of the team. Guc is an active member of FCA at the university and is a great role model who is always willing to help and volunteer her time for those in need. She has volunteered at the Raven Landing and food bank. She is a fan favorite and always makes time to take photos with kids, fans and supporters of the program. She is a leader on the volleyball court, holding herself and her teammates to a high standard.

Head Coach Brian Scott Quote
"Elena exemplifies all the qualities we want our volleyball athletes to have. She is hardworking and dedicated. As an upperclassman, she has become a great team leader and ambassador for our program."

Tony Blade, Fisheries & Marine Sciences
Tony is a senior pursuing a BS in Fisheries & Marine Sciences, with a concentration in Marine Biology, and has a 4.0 GPA.  Outside of class, Tony has worked as an intern with the Arctic Marine Mammal Program at the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and has conducted independent marine mammal research at UAF, involving both field work and laboratory analyses. Tony is also a Navy veteran who served in two overseas deployments.

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