Nanooks Volleyball Celebrates Trio of Seniors

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The Alaska Nanooks still have two games left in their regular season schedule, but celebrated their senior class of three following their final home game at the Patty Center.

“I’m looking at these two (Marine Angely and Jessa Long), and I’m thinking chaos,” stated Taylor Overn when asked about her time in Fairbanks. “I would say, it’s taught me more than anything else. It’s been a lot of growth.”

Taylor Overn has spent her entire career as a Nanook. The setter from Portland, Oregon has appeared in 62 matches through her career accruing 466 assists, and 44 service aces. Overn will graduate with a major in Biological Studies.

“There are some people that are just good people,” choked head coach, Brian Scott, holding back tears. “Someone you just know is a good person -- someone you want to be like. Tay is the person you want to be like, because she’s just a good person.”

Outside Hitter, Marine Angely came to Alaska following two separate stints at Florida State College at Jacksonville and Xavier University of Louisiana. The Sivry, France native enters her final weekend of collegiate volleyball with a .160 attack percentage. Angely will graduate with a degree in Business Administration.

“I’ve been to two other schools before Alaska,” mentioned Angely. “But, Alaska is different. There’s like no one here. So, everyone is really welcoming. We’re always with each other everywhere we go. I really liked that.”

“Marine is FUN -- with all capitol letters,” Scott replied. “She is the most free-spirited person I have ever met in my entire life. She is just such a free spirit and wants every adventure that she could possible take in life. She is great to be around.”

The final senior celebrated was libero, Jessa Long. The Dixon, Illinois product played her first four years of collegiate volleyball at the Division I level, and chose to spend her final year of eligibility with the Nanooks as a graduate transfer.

“I’ve gotten awards and stuff like that,” said Long. “Getting awards here means ten times more. Coming into an environment where I am able to put on a show with my team... just as much support as the fans.”

Long, is chasing after the single-season digs record in Nanook program history. Long is 22 digs away from the lead which is currently held by Jenna Hickel. Hickel had 506 digs in the 2017 season.

“We are getting just what we expected of her,” mentioned Coach Scott regarding his grad-transfer. “We knew we had someone that could make plays, and she’s lived up to every expectation. She is so mature. She is fiery. She is feisty. She works hard... Everything we’ve wanted, we’ve gotten out of Jess. So glad she chose to make her final adventure here with us.”

As another season nears its conclusion, graduating departures are inevitable. Three Nanooks will play their final collegiate games this weekend.

“What a great group,” explained Scott. “They are going to leave a mark on the world. One way or another, they’re going to leave their mark, and its going to be for the better. They’re going to do something good. Good good people. Love them all.”

Overn, Angely, Long, and company will conclude the regular season on the road at Saint Martin’s University and Western Oregon this weekend.

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