Alaska’s volleyball community turns out to help UAA break NCAA attendance record for 2nd time in 3 years

Two years ago, the University of Alaska Anchorage volleyball program called upon fans and the Alaska volleyball community to help the Seawolves break the NCAA Division II attendance record, and 3,888 supporters and spectators answered the call.

After the University of Nebraska-Kearney broke the record during the 2023 season, a new benchmark of 4,003 was set.

On Saturday night, the Alaska volleyball community turned out in force to support the Seawolves and help them make history again by surpassing the previous record with a whopping 4,388 attendees for their Great Northwest Athletic Conference showdown against rival University of Alaska Fairbanks.

“We can not be happier with the community support that we have for this team and this program,” UAA head coach Stacie Meisner said. “It’s something that’s really special and I think is really unique at the Division II level. You just don’t see this everywhere.”

To not only break the record but to do so convincingly on the inaugural Alaska Volleyball Day following an exciting day of prep action made it even more special.

“It’s pretty exciting and this our second time really putting a concerted effort into breaking the record,” Meisner said. “It just really shows what great community support we have. I think our fans really recognize how hard our players work and they love showing up to support that.”

The Seawolves second matchup of the season with the Nanooks was delayed due to both the 3A and 4A high school state championship finals requiring if-necessary games to decide things as a result of the tournament’s double-elimination format.

“There’s lots of great volleyball being played here in Alaska and I think to be able to celebrate that all in one day for Alaska Volleyball Day was a really cool experience,” Meisner said.

She has already been in contact with the Nebraska-Kearney coach about making the trip up to the Last Frontier for the tournament they host in the first weekend of action.

“We’ll see if they respond next year and have another event, maybe we’ll get them up here actually for a tournament,” Meisner said. “That would be fun. They came several years ago but we’ll see what happens and if they do again, we’ll get right back to plan the next one.”

Among the rowdy record-breaking crowd was a group of kids from Romig Middle School who were cheering on both teams.

“They were super excited to be able to watch some college volleyball,” said Emily Lawrence, who coaches volleyball and teaches special education at the school. “While UAF was warming up, they were cheering them on and shaking hands with them, so I don’t think they’re disappointed. I think they’re pretty happy no matter the outcome.”

The Trojans’ caravan consisted of the school’s volleyball team, which begins its season Monday.

“It’s really cool for them to see what possibilities are open to them and where they could be in five years,” Lawrence said.

The college student section of the crowd was littered with student-athletes from various different programs as is typically the case at most home events on campus.

“We’re a pretty small athletic department so the players see each other on the court, the weight room and a lot of them live on campus,” Meisner said. “They really do have that tight-knit community amongst themselves and they like getting out and supporting each other.”

As for the game that broke the record, the Seawolves got swept on their homecourt by the Nanooks in three straight sets.

“Even though we didn’t get the win, we’re just extremely proud to be part of this community and be able to represent Alaska volleyball and Anchorage specifically,” Meisner said.

She tipped her cap to the Nanooks and for the great season they’re having that now includes sweeping the Seawolves for the first time since 2008. She was proud of how her team fought nonetheless.

“I’m really proud of our effort tonight especially in that third set coming back (after) not playing so well in the second set,” Meisner said. “Having such a great effort and playing at a high level is something that is hard to do. Even though we didn’t pull out that set, I’m really proud of the effort from the team.”

UAA middle blocker Leilani Elder was a sophomore on the 2022 team that broke the previous record and enjoyed being a part of another historic event.

“It’s really nerve-wracking having so many people watch you play,” she said. “Obviously there’s a lot of times where you mess up and succeed. It’s just a lot of pressure but also really fun, and the atmosphere is always great.”

She was locked in prior to the match, mentally preparing for the task at hand but after her name was called during introductions, she felt and fed off the energy from the crowd.

“I really appreciate every time they come out,” Elder said. “It feels like it’s really worth it to play and have so many people cheer for you and love you so much no matter if it doesn’t go your way like tonight.”

She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where she says the volleyball community is much more divided compared to Alaska’s, which she has enjoyed being a part of.

“Everybody is competing to get to the best schools,” Elder said. “To be in a community now where it really feels like everybody is cheering on everybody else is so special and such a great opportunity to experience.”