Ivakina reaches 300 points and 300 kills as UAA volleyball season nears end

Lee Ivakina is the only player on the University of Alaska Anchorage volleyball team with 300 or more points and 300 or more kills this season. The senior has recorded 300-plus marks in both categories through 24 matches. She is also averaging career highs of 3.48 kills and 4.03 points per set.

Ivakina arrived at UAA two years ago as a junior college transfer from Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. She originally hails from Varna, Bulgaria. In her first season with the Seawolves, she led the team in kills and points and finished third in digs. She is on track to repeat those team-leading feats in the final two weeks of the 2026 regular season.

Head coach Morgan Hooe described Ivakina as a go-getter who helped set the standard for the team’s culture upon her arrival. Hooe noted that jumping into a new program as a junior college transfer is difficult, but Ivakina maintained consistency even during slower stretches. “Even if Lee has an off game, she has always contributed in some other fashion,” Hooe said.

The player’s statistical output includes 16 matches with double-digit kills. On Sept. 24, against Western Washington, Ivakina tied her single-match career high with 25 kills. In that same game, she set a new single-match career record for points with 27.

Senior setter Hannah Trotter praised Ivakina’s willingness to attack the ball regardless of the score. “She is not afraid to hit the ball hard,” Trotter said. “She is going to make herself an option.” Trotter noted that Ivakina frequently requests the next set, demonstrating a competitive drive that benefits the team.

Ivakina and Trotter will play their final two home games as Seawolves this week. UAA hosts St. Martin’s on Thursday night and Western Oregon on Saturday night at the Alaska Airlines Center. Ivakina does not expect family or friends from Bulgaria to attend the Saturday match. She described the upcoming senior night as an emotional highlight of her time in Anchorage.

The Seawolves aim to secure a share of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title for the second consecutive year. They also seek a berth in the Western Regional tournament. The team will conclude its regular schedule on the road next week.