FAIRBANKS - The Nanooks volleyball program was busy on Signing Day, Wednesday, Nov. 12, announcing six incoming freshman to their recruiting class for next season.
Lucy Braegger, Emma Freeman, Sarah Jackson, Cori Leavitt, Audrey Smith, and Genevieve Willis will all join Alaska volleyball next season. Head coach
Brian Scott is excited about the talent that will call Fairbanks home next season. "We are excited about this talented group of student-athletes. The height added to this year's class will make an impact on our presence at the net. Overall, it may be one of the best classes that we have seen join the ranks of Nanook volleyball."
Lucy Braegger, OH, Mantua, Utah
Braegger, a 5'11" standout from Box Elder High School, arrives in Fairbanks following an impressive multi-sport high school career in both volleyball and softball. A three-time varsity letter winner in volleyball, Braegger served as a team captain at multiple levels, including varsity captain in 2025. Her volleyball accolades include Second Team All-Region honors and leadership roles throughout her prep career. In addition to her success on the court, Braegger excelled on the diamond. She earned varsity letters from 2023–2025 and collected numerous major honors, including Softball All-Area Team of the Year (2024), Second Team All-Region (2025), Standard Examiner All-Area Player of the Year (2025), Standard Examiner All-Area Team (2025), and Second Team All-State (2025).
Braegger also brings a strong academic résumé, earning Honor Roll recognition every trimester from 8th through 12th grade. She was a member of the Junior National Honor Society in 2022–23 and has been a National Honor Society member since 2023. "Lucy is an outside hitter that can put some power behind her swings," said head coach Brian Scott. "Lucy is a multi-sport athlete that had options to play in college for both volleyball and softball. We are extremely excited that she chose to be part of Nanook Nation."
Braegger is the daughter of Jessica and Riley Braegger and has three siblings. Athletic talent runs in the family—her mother played volleyball at Western Wyoming Community College from 2003–05.
Emma Freeman, OH/OPP, Mesa, Ariz.
Freeman, a 6'2" standout at Mountain View High School, capped her prep career with a strong senior season. She earned a spot on the 2025 Nike Tournament of Champions All-Tournament Team, was named Mountain View's Varsity MVP, and collected East Valley Region Offensive Player of the Year honors. She was also recognized as the 2025 Mountain View Toros Offensive Player of the Year.
Freeman has excelled at the club level as well, playing for Arizona Sky Volleyball Academy, highlighted by winning the 2025 USAV National Championship in the 17 National Division, competing against some of the top talent in the country. She consistently contributed to her teams' academic success as an Honor Roll student. "Emma has competed at a very high level of volleyball, having won a national championship at the club level," said head coach Brian Scott. "Her experience will make her a very valuable asset as a pin hitter. She has a high swing that is difficult to defend."
Freeman is the daughter of John and Sarah Freeman and has four older sisters: Lindsey, Alexis, Caitlin, and Julia.
Sarah Jackson, L, Graham, N.C.
The Alaska Nanooks volleyball program is pleased to announce the addition of incoming freshman libero/defensive specialist Sarah Jackson. Standing at 5'10", Jackson arrives from North Carolina, where she was homeschooled and also studied at Alamance Community College.
Jackson trained and competed with Triad United Volleyball Academy. She brings a decorated résumé that includes NCHEAC Varsity All-Tournament recognition in 2022, and NCHEAC Varsity All-Conference awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In club play, she earned the "Heart of Chapel Hill Area Volleyball Club – Excellence, Character, Teamwork, and Community" Award in 2023 and won the Mid-Atlantic Power League Serving Velocity Competition in 2024.
Academically, Jackson achieved distinction on the Alamance Community College Honors List in 2024 and the President's List in the summer of 2025. "Sarah is the younger sister of Elizabeth Jackson, and we have had the privilege to know her for several years," said head coach Brian Scott. "She has attended our volleyball camps throughout her sister's career and made a lasting impression with her hustle and effort on every play. Sarah is a great libero that will help continue the tradition we have established as a very good defender."
Jackson is the daughter of Amy and J. Owen Jackson and has three siblings: Susanna Boysen, Davis Jackson, and Elizabeth Jackson. Her sister Elizabeth has been a member of the Nanooks volleyball team from 2021–25.
Cori Leavitt, RS, Las Vegas, Nev.
Leavitt joins the Nanooks after a strong career at Arbor View High School, where she developed into one of the top pin hitters in her region. At 6'1", she earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2025 and was named Second Team All-State the same year. Earlier in her high school career, she was recognized as the team's MVP in 2022.
A committed student-athlete, Leavitt earned Scholar Athlete recognition in 2023, 2024, and 2025 and received three academic letters. "Cori will be an exciting player to watch. She plays with an intensity to her game. As a left-handed hitter she adds a great offensive weapon to our group of pin hitters. She is a talented blocker and fans can expect to see many Bucko's gift cards in their future," said head coach Brian Scott.
Leavitt is the daughter of Jocelyn and Chad Leavitt and has four siblings: Jaxon, Addison, Emily, and Jacey.
Audrey Smith, MB, Benton, Kan.
Smith, a 6'3" middle, arrives at Alaska after a decorated career at Wichita Trinity Academy, where she established herself as one of the most dominant blockers in Kansas Class 3A. During her junior season in 2024, she helped lead her team to a 29-5 record along with undefeated league and regional championships. She was named Second Team All-State, earned First Team All-League honors in the Central Plains League, and appeared on the Kansas Volleyball Association state leaderboard for both blocks and hitting percentage. Her .331 hitting percentage ranked first in her league and 35th in the state.
Smith finished the 2024 season ranked No. 11 in total blocks in Kansas 3A and was the league's top blocker for the third consecutive year. She also collected three all-tournament team selections and was voted MVP of the Trinity Academy Tournament. She was named to the 2024 KVCA Phenom List and attended the showcase in Kentucky.
Her sophomore year was equally impressive—Smith earned Second Team All-League honors, led the Central Plains League in blocks for the second straight year, and finished sixth in the state for blocking at the 3A level. She registered a .238 hitting percentage and received all-tournament recognition at three events. As a freshman in 2022, she earned All-League Honorable Mention, led the league in blocks, and ranked eighth among 3A freshmen and top five among 4A players in blocking statewide. "Audrey is a great middle that will add some size to our talented group of middle blockers," said head coach Brian Scott. "She will be an intimidating defensive presence at the net with great lateral movement. Offensively she works hard in transition and puts herself in a good position to make a play on the ball."
Smith is the daughter of Erik and Melissa Smith and has two younger sisters. Her mother played volleyball at Newman University from 2001–05.
Genevieve Willis, S, Severna Park, Md.
Willis, a 5'10" setter, comes to Alaska after a strong career at Severna Park High School, where she served as a two-year varsity team captain and helped lead her program while earning several regional and club-level honors. She was named to the All-County team in both 2024 and 2025 and was selected as a captain for her club team during the 2024–2025 season. Recognized among the top talent in her region, Willis was listed as one of the Top 10 Uncommitted Players in the DMV in 2025 and one of the Top 20 Players in the DMV in 2024. She also appeared on the AVCA Phenom Watchlist and was featured by PrepDig as one of the Biggest Climbers in the Class of 2026.
During her 2024 season, Willis earned Varsity MVP honors while leading her team as captain and participating in the Athletic Leadership Council. She again served on the council in 2025.
Willis is a strong student, earning membership in the National Honor Society from 2023–2026 and the Science National Honor Society in 2025–2026. "Gena is a setter that is very good at giving a consistent set to her attackers," said head coach Brian Scott. "She puts her hitters in the best possible position to attack the ball and score a point. She runs a very efficient offense. She will be impressive to watch in action."
Willis is the daughter of Refina and Justin Willis and has one sibling, Vivianna.
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