Runner Sage Holter Recognized as SBCC’s Scholar-Athlete of Year

Sage Holter made her mark as a student athlete at SBCC.

She set a school record in the 5,000 meters on the track this spring and in the fall she won the Western State Conference individual championship in cross country, finished third at the Southern California Regionals and placed fourth at the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships.

In the classroom, she carries a 3.9 GPA and plans to pursue degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics. As she finishes up at SBCC, she’ll complete enough credits for six Associate in Arts (AA) degrees.

With those credentials, Holter was a slam-dunk choice to be named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year for SBCC.

She was presented the award at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.

After taking a two-year break from competitive running, Holter arrived at SBCC ready to race again. 

“In the fall of 2022, I fell in love with the technical aspects of competing and how it makes me feel alive,” she said.

Scott Fickerson, SBCC’s cross country and track & field coach called Holter “a once in a generation-type athlete.

“Just from her personality, she’s positive, she’s outgoing, she’s incredibly friendly. From an athletic perspective, she’s committed and hard working in a way that very few athletes are. I pretty much have to put a leash on her to get her to take a day off.

“And, even with her being really committed, competitive and wanting to thrive, she keeps the primary goal more within herself, making sure that it’s fun and enjoyable and striving for personal goals.”

Holter challenges herself in the classroom, too. Her current class load includes General Chemistry 2, Heat, Light and Modern Physics, Introduction to Ethics, Honors Engineering Dynamics. 

She plans to attend at a university where she can continue to run competitively and study engineering.

“Somebody asked me which makes me happier,” she said in her bio. “They both do. I’ll go wherever I can maximize both.”

Upon receiving the award, Holter said “it’s nice to get recognized” for all the hard work.

“The opportunities I’ve had here have been really amazing. I’m leaving in a couple of months, and this is the first place where I built something for myself. I’m really sad to go, but now I have a plaque to take with me.”