ANCHORAGE, Alaska — For Kaydn Osborne, the final point of her collegiate volleyball career was a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary journey. After four years of dedicated play, including a remarkable two-season tenure with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Osborne walked off the court one last time with a victory over Simon Fraser University (SFU), cementing her place as one of the Seawolves’ key players. The match, which concluded with a 3-0 sweep, served not just as a triumph on the scoreboard but also as an emotional farewell to a career defined by perseverance, growth, and exceptional skill.
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A Special Send-Off for an Exceptional Player
Saturday’s match was filled with emotion as UAA honored its seniors, and Kaydn Osborne could hardly contain her feelings as the final points of the game approached. The Dimond High School graduate, who had returned to Alaska for her senior year after two seasons at Eastern Arizona College, was the heartbeat of the Seawolves’ offense. With the match nearing its climax, Osborne reflected on her time in college volleyball, feeling the weight of the moment.
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“We were at 23 points, and I could just feel the tears coming,” Osborne said, recalling the final stretch of the match. “Right when we hit 25, they just started flowing.”
It was no surprise. For Osborne, who had navigated the challenges of being away from home for years, the opportunity to return to Alaska and play in front of her friends, family, and a supportive community meant everything. It was a dream come true for both her and her father, Rusty Osborne, who had watched her career from a distance before she made the decision to return to UAA.
A Family Affair and a Homecoming
The decision to come home after two years at Eastern Arizona College was a significant one for Osborne, and she does not regret it. Her father, Rusty Osborne, the head coach of the UAA men’s basketball team, was thrilled to have her back in Alaska. It not only allowed him to watch his daughter play regularly but also gave the entire family a chance to share in her success.
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“To be able to see all her home games for the most part and travel a little bit, it’s been great,” said Rusty Osborne, clearly proud of his daughter’s accomplishments.
Kaydn also echoed her father’s sentiment. “I decided it was time to come home, and I think it’s one of the best decisions I could have made,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude and joy. “Being able to play in front of my family, especially my dad, has been incredible.”
A Record of Excellence
Osborne’s return to Alaska was a game-changer for the Seawolves, who benefited from her leadership, experience, and technical prowess as a setter. Throughout her career at UAA, she showcased her exceptional ability to set up her teammates, consistently leading the team in assists during both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Her performance in her final match against SFU was a testament to her skill and dedication.
In that final game, Osborne not only orchestrated the offense but also played a pivotal role in closing out the match. With the Seawolves needing just one more point to seal the victory, she made sure to leave her mark one last time. Osborne set up a perfect opportunity for her teammate, Katie Birtcil, to deliver the match-ending kill. The crowd erupted as the ball sailed across the court and hit the floor, securing the win.
Osborne’s teammates surrounded her in a jubilant embrace, celebrating not just the victory but the incredible journey they had all shared. “It’s probably the best possible way you could end your career, with your girls on the court,” Osborne said, her eyes gleaming with emotion.
The Heart and Soul of the Seawolves
Kaydn Osborne’s impact on the UAA volleyball team went far beyond statistics. While her assist numbers were impressive, it was her leadership, work ethic, and team-first mentality that made her such a valuable asset to the Seawolves. UAA head coach Stacie Meisner spoke highly of Osborne’s contributions over the past two seasons, emphasizing her role as a primary setter and her ability to elevate those around her.
“We were really happy that she chose to come back to Alaska,” Meisner said. “She definitely left her mark and really helped us these last two years as a primary setter for us.”
Indeed, Osborne’s presence was a stabilizing force for the Seawolves. As the team’s main setter, she helped shape the offense, setting up kills, distributing the ball efficiently, and acting as the leader on the court. Her vision and understanding of the game were crucial to UAA’s success, and her departure marks the end of an era for the program.
A Legacy to Be Remembered
As Osborne takes her final bow in the world of collegiate volleyball, it is clear that her legacy at UAA will endure. She leaves behind not just a trail of assists and victories, but also a standard of excellence for future Seawolves to follow. Her determination, both on and off the court, has inspired her teammates and made her one of the most respected figures in the program.
Her farewell match against Simon Fraser was the perfect ending to a career that spanned the highs and lows of collegiate volleyball. The crowd’s roar as Birtcil’s final kill landed was a testament to the love and admiration they had for Osborne. It was the culmination of a career built on hard work, sacrifice, and a deep love for the sport.
For Kaydn Osborne, it wasn’t just about the wins or the accolades. It was about the relationships she had forged with her teammates, coaches, and the UAA community. As she moves on to the next chapter of her life, Osborne can look back with pride on a career that will be remembered for its impact both on and off the court.
In the end, Kaydn Osborne’s story is not just one of athletic achievement but of growth, resilience, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity. As she heads into life beyond college volleyball, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes at UAA and beyond.
As the Seawolves bid farewell to their star setter, one thing is certain: Kaydn Osborne will always be a part of the UAA volleyball family. Her name will be remembered, not just for the assists she delivered, but for the heart and soul she poured into the game.
