New Era for Nanooks Basketball: Tobin Karlberg Joins Coaching Staff

The Alaska Nanooks men’s basketball team has announced the addition of Tobin Karlberg as assistant coach, a move that is expected to bring a new level of excitement and expertise to the program. Karlberg, a highly respected coach and former player, joins the Nanooks staff after a successful stint at Lewis-Clark State College.

New chapter for Nanooks basketball

“When the idea of my getting this job became a reality, there was one guy I wanted as my assistant, and that was Tobin,” said Coach Frank Ostanik, praising Karlberg’s work ethic and character. “He is as hard a worker as there is, and I can tell you definitively, he is a better human being.”

Karlberg’s impressive resume includes a year as assistant coach at LC State, where he was responsible for on-court instruction, recruiting, travel itinerary, player development, and fundraising. During his time at the NAIA program, the Warriors achieved a 24-9 record and made it to the NAIA Sweet 16.

Before joining the Warriors staff, Karlberg had a storied playing career, earning multiple honors and awards at Point Loma Nazarene University and the University of Alaska Anchorage. The Anchorage native also won the 2017 Alaska Boys Basketball State Championship with Grace Christian School and was named the 2017-18 3A Basketball Alaska State Player of the Year.

Tobin Karlberg, new assistant coach for the Nanooks

“I’m incredibly excited to join Coach Ostanik on the staff at Alaska!” said Karlberg, expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve his home state through basketball. “I have a huge belief in his ability to coach and lead young men with a high level of excellence.”

Karlberg has also spent years as a camp coach/counselor and player development coach through NBC Camps, Make Yourself LLC, and basketball team camps. He graduated with his undergraduate degree in Communication from UAA in the spring of 2022 before earning his master’s degree in Sport Management from Point Loma.

With Karlberg on board, the Nanooks are poised to take their program to new heights. His official first day with the team is July 1, 2024.

Nanooks logo

The addition of Tobin Karlberg to the coaching staff is a significant step forward for the Alaska Nanooks men’s basketball program. With his expertise and passion for the game, the team is expected to make a strong push in the upcoming season.