FAIRBANKS – Will Anti, head coach of the Alaska Nanooks rifle team, has announced his retirement from coaching, effective at the end of his contract this June. Anti, 28, has led the program for the past five seasons, guiding the Nanooks back to national prominence with consistent NCAA championship appearances, multiple podium finishes, and the 2023 National Championship title.
"I cannot thank the university or the team enough for the opportunities I've been given and the relationships I've built during my time at UAF," said Anti. "There's never a perfect time to step away, but this felt right. I'm proud of the culture we've built and am confident in the transition plan in place, which positions next year's team to compete for a national title under outstanding leadership."
Anti took over in August 2020 following the resignation of former head coach Layne Lewis. In his first season, he immediately led the Nanooks back to the national stage after the team had missed the NCAA Championships for the first time in 33 years. They finished fifth that year, and in just his second season, the Nanooks returned to the podium for the first time since 2015, earning third place and setting several team and national records.
The pinnacle of Anti's tenure came in 2023, when the Nanooks captured their 11th national title. That same year, Rylan Kissell won the Individual Air Rifle National Championship—the first individual title under Anti. Over the next two seasons, Alaska remained a national powerhouse, earning back-to-back third-place finishes and adding a first-place finish in the 2025 Smallbore National Championship. Most recently, Cecelia Ossi claimed the 2025 Individual Smallbore National Championship, with teammate Rachael Charles finishing second.
During his time at the helm, 10 Nanooks student-athletes combined for 50 All-American honors. Kissell (2023) and Charles (2025) were each named NCAA Most Outstanding Performer and CRCA Most Valuable Shooter, with Kissell also earning the 2022 CRCA Rifle Athlete of the Year award. That same year, Sára Karasová was named CRCA Rookie of the Year. The team also excelled academically, with numerous Scholastic All-American recognitions and two NCAA Elite 90 winners: Gavin Barnick (2023) and Karasová (2025).
Anti himself was honored as the 2022 CRCA Head Coach of the Year after guiding the Nanooks to a 12-0 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in PRC competition, finishing third nationally that season.
"UAF took a chance on a 22-year-old head coach, and I'll forever be grateful for that," said Anti. "It's easy to overlook smaller sports, but that was never the case here. Leaders like Brock Anundson and Dan White have truly supported our athletes and program, and that's incredibly rare in collegiate athletics. I'm leaving with a lot of gratitude, some great memories, and lasting relationships. To our students, you gave me energy, stole my sanity at times, and made every day worthwhile. I'll always be cheering for you."
"The Alaska Nanooks Athletic Department extends its deepest gratitude to Will for his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to the Rifle Program," said Alaska Nanooks Director of Athletics Brock Anundson. "Through his exceptional leadership, integrity, and tireless commitment, he has elevated the team to new heights and helped solidify its status as a perennial NCAA Championship contender. Beyond the range, Will's influence has extended to the broader UAF community and built a lasting foundation for future success. His legacy will continue to inspire, and we are incredibly thankful for all he has done for Nanooks Athletics."
Rifle assistant coach Randi Loudin will step into the interim head coach role. Further information regarding the Alaska Nanooks rifle coaching staff will follow shortly.
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