UND Frozen Force team set to compete in 2026 Air Race Classic
By Averie Eixenberger
Beginning Tuesday, June 23, the UND Aerospace Frozen Force Team is set to compete in the annual Air Race Classic competition. This all-women’s race is set to begin in East Alton, Ill., with nine stops along the route before concluding in Mount Vernon, Ill..
“The 2026 race features a ‘full-circle’ route beginning in East Alton, Ill.,” said Antonia Wagener, assistant chief flight instructor and team coach. “They travel east through Kentucky and the Smoky Mountain region to South Carolina, south into Georgia, west through Alabama and Mississippi near the Gulf Coast, then north through Arkansas, Missouri, Wisconsin and Iowa before returning to southern Illinois for the finish in Mount Vernon.”
The UND team consists of four team members including pilot Alisha Maake, co-pilot Aubrey Baril, navigator Lila Knapp and ground coordinator Delsey Fuller, competing in a Piper Archer dubbed “Elsa.” Coaches Antonia Wagener and Katia Peters look forward to seeing how they team will grow as they work through the challenges of the race.
“We are excited to watch this talented group of women discover what they are capable of accomplishing together,” said Wagener. “We look forward to seeing each team member grow as a pilot, professional and person while creating memories and friendships that will last long after the race is over.”
To prepare for the race, the team has spent months planning and practicing for the flight, as well as participating in community events and fundraising for the race. The team looks forward to building connections with other women aviators and developing their skills as pilots. With last year’s team taking 1st Place in the Intercollegiate division, this year’s team hopes to take a top spot again in the final rankings.
“In 2025, Frozen Force demonstrated exceptional flight planning, precision and teamwork to earn the program’s first collegiate title,” said Wagener. “Building on that success, the 2026 Frozen Force team is committed to flying a safe, efficient and competitive race as we seek to defend our collegiate title. While strong race results remain a goal, the true value of the Air Race Classic lies in the friendships formed, the aviation knowledge gained and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of pilots.”
More information about the team, its progress and ways of offering support is available on the team’s website.
About the author:
Averie Eixenberger is a Communications and Journalism Intern at UND.
