Five Alaskans are headed to Division I college teams

By Anchorage Daily News

Updated: November 15, 2019 Published: November 15, 2019

Hailey Williams of Delta Junction, shown here winning the 100-meter race at the 2018 state track and field championships in Palmer, will run college track for Duke. (Bob Hallinen / ADN archives)

A handful of high school athletes are headed to Division I college teams, including a girl from a tiny school in the Interior who will compete at Duke University.

Hailey Williams, the Delta Junction sprinter who has dominated the last two Alaska state track and field championships, will run track for the Blue Devils.

In June, Williams ran the fastest 200-meter time ever recorded by an Alaska high school girl, placing fifth at the New Balance national championships in a swift 24.05 seconds. Her other personal bests include 11.95 seconds in the 100 and 57.20 seconds in the 400.

Also committing to Division I schools this week were:

• Alani Makihele of West High, an all-state offensive lineman, will join the UNLV football team and play in the Mountain West Conference.

#AGTG for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had this year, thankful for it all. @WAHSFootball @unlvfootball @BrandonHuffman @adamgorney @NW_Spotlight @AIGAFoundation @polynesiabowl @sportsadn @KTVASports @AlaskanAthletes @OLPerformance pic.twitter.com/ssfI27I6MP
— Alani Makihele (@alanimak_) November 14, 2019

• Hannah Hogenson of South High, a goaltender with USA Hockey experience, will play for Bemidji State of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

I’m honored and humbled to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey @BSUBeaversWHKY , as I pursue my educational and athletic goals in the state of Minnesota. I want to thank my family, coaches, friends, and teammates that have helped me along the way. #GOBEAVERS pic.twitter.com/SUnDnW6W1E
— Hannah Hogenson (@hannah_ak1) June 1, 2019

• Ellie Scherffius of Chugiak, a middle blocker in her first season with the Mustangs, will return to her former home state of Montana to play volleyball for the Grizzlies.

• Grace Fernandez, a South High senior who competed with the Borealis Bullseyes club team, will compete in riflery at Texas-El Paso, which earlier this season traveled to Fairbanks for a match against UAF’s Division I riflery team.