FAIRBANKS – The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Athletics is excited to announce the addition of Sam Blazek and Katie Saladin as the newest Assistant Athletic Trainers for the Alaska Nanooks. With a shared passion for student-athlete care and extensive experience across NCAA and professional sports environments, both Blazek and Saladin bring dynamic energy and a strong clinical foundation to the Nanooks' sports medicine team.
"We're thrilled to welcome Sam and Katie as our new Assistant Athletic Trainers for the Alaska Nanooks," said Dr. Brock Anundson, Director of Athletics. "Their energy, expertise, and dedication to student-athlete care will bring incredible value to each of our programs. With their support, our coaches and student-athletes will be in great hands, both in and out of competition."
Blazek remains in Fairbanks after serving as a certified athletic trainer with McKinley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, covering local high schools and clinical patients. A former professional soccer player and standout goalkeeper at Lindenwood University, Blazek holds dual degrees in Athletic Training and Exercise Science. Her experience includes internships with TB12 Sports in Foxboro, Mass., the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL, and support roles with multiple NCAA championship-level programs in football, gymnastics, lacrosse, rugby, and more.
Saladin, a Maple Grove, Minnesota native, joins the Nanooks from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science and completed her Master of Science in Athletic Training. Her diverse clinical rotations include NCAA Division II football at Michigan Tech and immersion experiences with gymnastics, wrestling, swimming & diving, and cross country. Saladin also served as a graduate assistant, instructing health and fitness courses while contributing research on athletic recovery strategies.
The addition of Blazek and Saladin reflects Alaska Nanooks Athletics' continued commitment to providing comprehensive health care and performance support for its student-athletes. Both Blazek and Saladin will begin work on Aug. 3.
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