HANOVER, N.H. - University of Alaska Anchorage junior Carmen Nielssen earned the NCAA ELITE 90 award for the 2025 NCAA Skiing Championships.

Nielssen, majoring in finance, currently carries a 4.0 GPA. The Sandvika, Norway, native was presented with the award during the opening ceremonies at the NCAA Championships in Hanover, N.H.

Nielssen is the fourth Seawolf and second skier to win the award. Other UAA winners include Casey Wright (skiing, 2019), Yvonne Jeschke (cross country, 2019) and Marie Ries (indoor track and field, 2020). 

The Elite 90 award honors the exceptional achievements of student-athletes. This prestigious accolade is given to those who have not only excelled at a national championship level in their sport but have also achieved the highest academic standards among their peers. The Elite 90 is proudly awarded to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 90 championships. 

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above academically who have participated in a sport for at least two years with their school. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

For more information on the Elite 90 award winners, go to www.ncaa.org/elite90.