FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks volleyball program and head coach Brian Scott have announced the elevation of Meagan Woods to associate head coach. Woods, formerly the Nanooks' assistant coach, played for the Nanooks from 2012-16 before immediately joining the coaching staff for the 2017 season. 

"I am incredibly excited and honored to be named associate head coach for the Alaska Nanooks volleyball program," said Meagan Woods following her coaching elevation. "I have loved learning from and working alongside head coach Brian Scott, who has been an incredible mentor and friend throughout our time together. Over the past seven seasons as a full-time assistant, my passion for coaching has only grown. I especially value the opportunity to mentor our student-athletes and find meaningful teaching moments about life and faith through volleyball and their journey as student-athletes. I am deeply grateful for my supportive husband and family, whose encouragement makes the long days, late nights, road trips, and constant commitment this profession requires possible. I am excited to continue working with Head Coach Brian and Assistant Coach Cate as we move forward and trust what God has in store for our program."

Since joining Coach Scott's coaching staff, Woods has helped the Nanooks climb the GNAC standings each season. Alaska posted 12 wins in her first season as an assistant, jumping from three the year before. The next season saw Alaska finish above .500 for the first time since 2008 (15-10) and jumpstart a new era of Nanooks volleyball. Since 2018, the Nanooks have finished in the top five of the GNAC volleyball standings in all but two seasons; this includes a second-place finish in 2024 and their first-ever GNAC championship and NCAA Division II West Region Championship appearance in 2025. 

This past season was the culmination of hard work and dedication to the program for over the last decade and saw the 'Nooks finish 24-6, 14-4 GNAC. This record resulted in a new program record for wins in a single season, the lone-automatic bid from the GNAC, and their first-ever postseason victory, a 3-0 sweep of Alaska Anchorage in the first round of the NCAA DII Volleyball Tournament in San Diego, Calif. at Point Loma. 

As a player, Woods (formerly Olsen), was a libero for the Nanooks and at the time of her final game, was in the career top 10 for total digs. She also served as a team captain for two seasons, receiving the Alaska Nanooks Scholar-Athlete honor and Team MVP. Her final two seasons as a student-athlete were head coach Brian Scott's first seasons in Fairbanks. 

"This is a very well-deserved recognition for Meg, probably long overdue," said head coach Brian Scott. "Our program would not be where it is today without the efforts Meg has made on a daily basis, dating back to her time as an athlete. Meg has always been a leader for Nanook volleyball, as a student-athlete and team captain, then as a volunteer assistant coach, and now as associate head coach. I am extremely grateful for her efforts to make this program better and provide a great role model for young women. I consider her a great friend and respect her as a coach and colleague."

Coach Scott and Coach Woods have coached two GNAC Defensive Players of the Year, two GNAC Newcomers of the Year, eight First Team All-GNAC, nine Honorable Mention All-GNAC selections, four AVCA All-West Region Honorable Mention selections, four AVCA All-American Honorable Mention selections, six CSC Academic All-District selections, and one CSC Academic All-American Third Team selection. 

Woods' role as associate head coach will begin immediately as the Nanooks begin preparation for the 2026 regular season, beginning in August 2026. 

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