University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Sign Alex Pirog To The Program
5/5/2026 9:53:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball has announced the addition of Alex Pirog to its roster ahead of the upcoming 2026–27 season.
MEET THE SIGNEE
ALEX PIROG | POST | UNIV. OF MONTANA | HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLO.
A versatile post player, Pirog joins the Bears for the 2026–27 season following a strong and impactful three-year career at Montana.
Pirog redshirted during the 2025–26 season. During her junior year campaign in 2024-25, she earned Academic All-Big Sky Conference honors while appearing in 25 games with eight starts. She averaged 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 48.2 percent from the field and ranking third on the team with 16 blocked shots.
Pirog made an immediate impact early in the season, starting the first eight games and averaging 10.3 points through the opening four contests while connecting on 18 of her first 23 shot attempts. She also recorded a career-high 13 rebounds in a home win over Evergreen State, showcasing her presence on the glass.
Prior to her collegiate career, Pirog was a standout at Highlands Ranch High School. She led the Falcons to the semifinals of the Colorado Class 5A state tournament as a senior and was named Centennial League Co-Player of the Year after averaging 13 points and a league-best 11 rebounds per game. She also led the conference in blocked shots (2.0 per game) and double-doubles (16), earning first-team All-Centennial League and second-team Class 5A all-state honors.
A multi-time all-conference selection, Pirog was named second-team All-Continental League as a sophomore and first-team as a junior, while also earning all-state recognition. She capped her prep career by competing in The Show all-star game and the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports All-State Basketball Game.
"Alex is exactly the type of player we want representing UNC...tough, skilled, and proud to be from Colorado. At 6'3, she brings a physical presence inside, but what excites us most is her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Alex will add strong depth to our front court, and we will rely on her rim protection defensively. We believe our system and development approach will allow her to reach another level. We expect her to come in and make an immediate impact. Alex played high school basketball at Highlands Ranch and was mentored by Coach Caryn Jarocki, the state's all-time winningest basketball coach with over 700 wins and 8 state titles. Alex just represents everything we want with high character, maturity and academic excellence. Bear Country will really love watching Alex this upcoming season!" said Head Coach Kristen Mattio.
Pirog chose UNC because the coaching staff and team made her feel valued and excited to get to work. The program's culture stood out as something she wanted to be part of, and returning home to Colorado was also an important factor in her decision.
Off the court, Pirog enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.
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)
MEET THE SIGNEE
ALEX PIROG | POST | UNIV. OF MONTANA | HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLO.
A versatile post player, Pirog joins the Bears for the 2026–27 season following a strong and impactful three-year career at Montana.
Pirog redshirted during the 2025–26 season. During her junior year campaign in 2024-25, she earned Academic All-Big Sky Conference honors while appearing in 25 games with eight starts. She averaged 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 48.2 percent from the field and ranking third on the team with 16 blocked shots.
Pirog made an immediate impact early in the season, starting the first eight games and averaging 10.3 points through the opening four contests while connecting on 18 of her first 23 shot attempts. She also recorded a career-high 13 rebounds in a home win over Evergreen State, showcasing her presence on the glass.
Prior to her collegiate career, Pirog was a standout at Highlands Ranch High School. She led the Falcons to the semifinals of the Colorado Class 5A state tournament as a senior and was named Centennial League Co-Player of the Year after averaging 13 points and a league-best 11 rebounds per game. She also led the conference in blocked shots (2.0 per game) and double-doubles (16), earning first-team All-Centennial League and second-team Class 5A all-state honors.
A multi-time all-conference selection, Pirog was named second-team All-Continental League as a sophomore and first-team as a junior, while also earning all-state recognition. She capped her prep career by competing in The Show all-star game and the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports All-State Basketball Game.
"Alex is exactly the type of player we want representing UNC...tough, skilled, and proud to be from Colorado. At 6'3, she brings a physical presence inside, but what excites us most is her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Alex will add strong depth to our front court, and we will rely on her rim protection defensively. We believe our system and development approach will allow her to reach another level. We expect her to come in and make an immediate impact. Alex played high school basketball at Highlands Ranch and was mentored by Coach Caryn Jarocki, the state's all-time winningest basketball coach with over 700 wins and 8 state titles. Alex just represents everything we want with high character, maturity and academic excellence. Bear Country will really love watching Alex this upcoming season!" said Head Coach Kristen Mattio.
Pirog chose UNC because the coaching staff and team made her feel valued and excited to get to work. The program's culture stood out as something she wanted to be part of, and returning home to Colorado was also an important factor in her decision.
Off the court, Pirog enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.
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)
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Kristen Mattio (Mar 24)
Tuesday, March 24
Kristen Mattio and Tatum West WNIT Press Conference vs Air Force
Friday, March 20
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Kristen Mattio (Mar 17)
Tuesday, March 17
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Kristen Mattio (Mar 3)
Tuesday, March 03
