University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Welcome Averie Varhaug
11/13/2025 11:57:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – The Northern Colorado women's basketball program is proud to welcome Averie Varhaug to the program.
"Our focus in this recruiting class was to identify players who bring versatility, play making ability, and a competitive spirit to complement both our current roster and the future of UNC Women's Basketball. This group truly represents the epitome of the student-athlete — high-character young women who are class acts in every sense. Their work ethic, self-motivation, and team-first mentality will serve our program well both on and off the court. As with every recruiting class, I am extremely proud when a young woman chooses to become a Bear and embrace the opportunity to grow here at the University of Northern Colorado." Stated Head Coach, Kristen Mattio.
Averie Varhaug, daughter of Emma and Mike Varhaug, has two siblings, Henry and Brinley. A dedicated multi-sport athlete, Averie made her mark at McKinnon Park High School, where she excelled in both basketball and volleyball. She demonstrates the drive and determination that define the commitment and work ethic of student-athletes.
The Bears are thrilled to welcome Averie to the Blue and Gold, confident that her athleticism, versatility, and passion for the game will make a strong impact at the collegiate level. Averie chose UNC because of the supportive and inspiring environment created by the coaching staff and players—a community with great opportunity to develop and grow both on and off the court.
"We are excited to welcome Averie to our Bear family. Averie is a skilled and mobile 6'4" post player from Canada who brings tremendous versatility to our frontcourt. She runs the floor extremely well, has great length, and the ability to stretch the defense all the way out to the three-point line. Her size on the court allows her to be a true rim protector and pose challenges for opponents who try to attack the paint. Averie has a great feel for rebounding — she pursues the ball with toughness and will provide valuable second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass. She also has a strong basketball IQ and understands how to make the right play in different situations, whether it's reading defenses, spacing the floor, or facilitating from the post. Her combination of size, mobility, intelligence, and shooting touch makes her a unique talent who fits perfectly into the way we want to play. Averie attends McKinnon Park Secondary School, where she is coached by Rachelle Abella, and played club basketball for Kia Nurse Elite, coached by Richard Nurse, where she gained invaluable experience competing against some of the top club teams in the United States this past summer. Bear Country is going to love watching Averie in Blue and Gold!" – said Head Coach, Kristen Mattio.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB).
"Our focus in this recruiting class was to identify players who bring versatility, play making ability, and a competitive spirit to complement both our current roster and the future of UNC Women's Basketball. This group truly represents the epitome of the student-athlete — high-character young women who are class acts in every sense. Their work ethic, self-motivation, and team-first mentality will serve our program well both on and off the court. As with every recruiting class, I am extremely proud when a young woman chooses to become a Bear and embrace the opportunity to grow here at the University of Northern Colorado." Stated Head Coach, Kristen Mattio.
Averie Varhaug, daughter of Emma and Mike Varhaug, has two siblings, Henry and Brinley. A dedicated multi-sport athlete, Averie made her mark at McKinnon Park High School, where she excelled in both basketball and volleyball. She demonstrates the drive and determination that define the commitment and work ethic of student-athletes.
The Bears are thrilled to welcome Averie to the Blue and Gold, confident that her athleticism, versatility, and passion for the game will make a strong impact at the collegiate level. Averie chose UNC because of the supportive and inspiring environment created by the coaching staff and players—a community with great opportunity to develop and grow both on and off the court.
"We are excited to welcome Averie to our Bear family. Averie is a skilled and mobile 6'4" post player from Canada who brings tremendous versatility to our frontcourt. She runs the floor extremely well, has great length, and the ability to stretch the defense all the way out to the three-point line. Her size on the court allows her to be a true rim protector and pose challenges for opponents who try to attack the paint. Averie has a great feel for rebounding — she pursues the ball with toughness and will provide valuable second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass. She also has a strong basketball IQ and understands how to make the right play in different situations, whether it's reading defenses, spacing the floor, or facilitating from the post. Her combination of size, mobility, intelligence, and shooting touch makes her a unique talent who fits perfectly into the way we want to play. Averie attends McKinnon Park Secondary School, where she is coached by Rachelle Abella, and played club basketball for Kia Nurse Elite, coached by Richard Nurse, where she gained invaluable experience competing against some of the top club teams in the United States this past summer. Bear Country is going to love watching Averie in Blue and Gold!" – said Head Coach, Kristen Mattio.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB).
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