Career
One of the NSIC’s premier scorers, Anna Vaaler has developed into a cornerstone for the Cougar program through her first two collegiate seasons. A dynamic guard with the ability to score at all three levels, Vaaler has appeared in 60 games with 53 starts, totaling 1,647 minutes while averaging 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. She has scored 780 career points while adding 87 assists, 54 steals, and 14 blocks, quickly establishing herself as one of the top all-around players in the conference.
2025-26 (Sophomore)
Vaaler turned in a breakout sophomore campaign, starting all 29 games while emerging as one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the NSIC. She averaged 17.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 39.0 percent from the field, knocking down 65 three-pointers, and converting an elite 87.0 percent of her free throws.
She opened the season in dominant fashion, scoring 33 points against Fort Hays State, and consistently delivered throughout conference play with 11 games of 20 or more points. Vaaler added multiple double-digit rebounding performances, including a season-high 16 boards against South Dakota Mines and 14 against St. Cloud State. Her all-around game was on full display with a six three-pointer performance against Minnesota Crookston, multiple 20+ point outings, and steady rebounding from the guard position.
For her standout sophomore season, Vaaler earned NSIC First Team All-Conference honors, collected three NSIC Athlete of the Week awards, and was named a USF Athlete of the Month.
2024-25 (Freshman)
Vaaler made an immediate impact in her first collegiate season, appearing in all 31 games with 24 starts while averaging 8.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest. She scored 267 points, shot 40.8 percent from the field, and knocked down 35 three-pointers while helping establish herself as one of the program’s rising young talents.
High School
Vaaler competed in basketball and softball at Andover High School, where she earned Northwest Suburban Conference All-Conference honors as a junior and honorable mention recognition as a sophomore. Over her prep career, she totaled 753 points, 402 rebounds, 115 assists, and 89 steals while competing for the Minnesota Fury club program. She was also a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Vaaler is the daughter of Kelly and David Vaaler and has two siblings, Ethan and Lauren.
