FAIRBANKS - Jackson Krug of the Nanooks men's basketball team and Emily Freeman of the Nanooks women's basketball team were selected as the Nanooks' honorees for the February 2025 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. Marita Ticket of the College of Indigenous Studies also received the honor. The Nanooks presented the awards at the Alaska men's basketball game against Montana State Billings on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Jackson Krug, Junior, Men's Basketball, Psychology
Krug has played a key role in establishing the culture and foundation of the men's basketball team. In his first season with the Nanooks, he has become an enforcer of their culture. His example is impactful for coaches and players. He shows up every day smiling and excited to be a part of the program. He is an elite teammate, providing support for his teammates both on and off the court. During games, Krug provides great enthusiasm, supports his teammates and is always ready if his name is called. He often helps players get from their dorms to the gym if the weather is inclement. If players need something around town, he will often be the one taking them to get what they need. His positivity is contagious and impactful within the entire team. Over the course of the season, he has been involved in Alaska's basketball clinics and volunteered at the Food Bank and Raven Landing. He is beloved and respected amongst the entire team.
Emily Freeman, Junior, Women's Basketball, Business Administration
Freeman is a quiet leader who, when she talks, her teammates listen. She is one of the hardest workers and most dependable people on the women's basketball team. She is one of the first ones in the gym every day and one of the last to leave. Her teammates trust her without any exceptions, both on and off the court. As a shooter, she has one of the toughest roles on the team. She plays her role and does it well, but she holds her chin up regardless of her performance. Freeman is always proactive about checking in on her teammates. She takes care of her business without her coaches having to worry about her, but she also works hard to help her teammates meet the standards. She is someone that the women's basketball coaching staff will use as an example of holding up the team standards for a long time after she's left the program. She is always on time, she works incredibly hard, she pays attention to details and she is someone who the coaches never have to worry about. Freeman takes care of her classes, her work and her sport at a high level at all times. Off the court, she has volunteered with the school district (Tanana Middle School), as well as at the Fairbanks Family Resource Center.
Marita Ticket, Senior, College of Indigenous Studies, Social Work and Inupiaq Language
Marita Ticket is from Selawik, Alaska. She is a senior at UAF and will receive her BA in Social Work and Inupiaq Language this spring. She has worked at Rural Student Services for the past three years and loves being involved in cultivating connection and community among students, and helping them navigate their undergrad journeys through wellness and resilience. As a first-generation student, she dedicates this award to all Indigenous first-gen students who are showing those around them it's possible to pursue your dreams through education.
Quote from Marita Ticket
"Pursuing education is to turn obstacles into opportunities, dreams into achievements, and learning who you are along the way. It helps you become what your younger self aspired to be."
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