FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks women's basketball team has announced the addition of Denae Skelton to their roster. Skelton is a 5-8 shooting guard from West Kelowna, B.C., and joins the Nanooks from Division I Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass.

"We're thrilled to welcome Denae to the Nanook family," said head coach Michael Ricks. "She brings Division I experience, outstanding academic credentials, and a competitive mindset that fits exactly what we're building here at UAF. She's someone who can make an immediate impact on the court, and we're excited to see her represent our program."

Skelton began her collegiate career with Division I Utah State in 2024-25, and appeared in 26 games for the Aggies. She averaged 4.7 points and 1.4 rebounds per game while picking up 14 assists, 10 steals and five blocks. She began her season with a nine-point outing vs. UMKC on Nov. 4, 2024, and posted her first double-digit scoring game at Grand Canyon on Dec. 8, 2024, tallying 16 points. She would go on to reach double-figures two more times during the season, cracking the 10-point mark in back-to-back games vs. San Diego State on Jan. 18, 2025, and New Mexico on Jan. 21, 2025, with 10 and 12 points, respectively. She spent last season playing at Merrimack, appearing in 12 games and helping the Warriors reach the 2026 WNIT after a 19-13 season and a third-place finish in the MAAC Conference.

Skelton attended Champlain College Saint-Lambert in Saint-Lambert, Que., where she was a two-time provincial gold medalist, a national bronze medalist and a CCAA Second Team All Star. She led the RSEQ in threes per game while averaging nine points, three rebounds, two steals and 1.8 assists, and was a two-time Academic All-Canadian.

"I'm beyond excited to join the Nanooks and be part of this program," said Skelton. "There's something really special being built at UAF, and I'm so grateful for this opportunity!"

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