SANTA BARBARA -- Friends, family, and Vaqueros past and present gathered in the Campus Center on Saturday, May 31, to honor the 2025 class of the SBCC Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following an introduction from Athletic Director LaDeane Hansten, state Assemblymember Gregg Hart spoke about the importance of Santa Barbara City College's role in the community.
Ellen O'Connor
Throughout her tenure at SBCC, Ellen O'Connor served as interim athletic director, associate athletic director, faculty member and women's basketball coach. She consistently found ways to serve and mentor those around her.
Already a member of the 3C2A Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, O'Connor graciously thanked her colleagues, athletes and students for making it a joy to come to work.
Ron Anderson Sr.
Plucked from the playgrounds of Chicago, Anderson used his time at SBCC to hone his skills in his first organized basketball experience. From there, he played at Fresno State and eventually in the NBA. He spent 10 seasons in the league before playing overseas until age 52.
Speaking on his behalf, former teammates DeRon Carbajal and Omel Nieves described Anderson's tireless work ethic.
Diane Wootton
A fixture in the community, Diane Wootton's selflessness and support of women's athletics at SBCC earned her a place in the Hall of Fame. A national champion tennis player and avid golfer, Wootton used her passion to raise funds that helped establish SBCC's women's golf program.
The recipient of the WSCGA's Distinguished Service Award in 2016, Wootton emphasized how vital SBCC is to the community.
Dylan Axelrod
Utilizing the resources available at SBCC, Axelrod developed through weightlifting and long-tossing at La Playa Stadium to become a Division I and MLB pitcher. Still involved in the game, Axelrod currently serves as the pitching performance and integration coordinator for the Detroit Tigers.
Quipping that he was one of the few students to make Ellen O'Connor smile, Axelrod expressed gratitude that SBCC's resources allowed him to grow physically as a pitcher.
Carrie LaBudde-Cotter
Noted by O'Connor for having the strongest hands she'd ever seen on a basketball player, LaBudde-Cotter developed from an undersized center at SBCC into a Division II standout. O'Connor shared how her coach at Humboldt State didn't have an offense—Carrie simply grabbed offensive rebounds and scored.
LaBudde-Cotter thanked her high school teachers and father for helping her pursue passions for horses and basketball that enriched her life.
Dax Holdren
Admitting he had a hard time making it to class, Holdren still credited SBCC's beachside location for letting him hone his volleyball skills. Under coach Jay Hanseth, Holdren and the Vaqueros captured a Western State Conference title, helping spark the future Olympian's career.
Holdren expressed gratitude for growing up in Santa Barbara and thanked his mother for instilling a strong work ethic and his wife for her sacrifices during his AVP pro career.
Chuck Melendez
Having coached baseball, football, and men's and women's golf, Melendez left a lasting legacy on SBCC athletics. The former Vaqueros quarterback guided the women's golf team to four 3C2A titles and five individual championships.
A lifelong SBCC fan, Melendez watched his older brother play wide receiver for the college and regularly attended games with the Goleta Boys Club.
Ingrid Smitz and the 2001 Women's Tennis Team
Ingrid's positivity and gratitude were on full display as she recounted stories and shared her favorite memories from each member of the state championship squad.
Juri Otsuka said Smitz's persistence in recruiting her led to lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Kinsley Carnahan, Jaime Higa, Jenny May and Kelsey Roberts were also present for the honors.
Santa Barbara legends John Martony and Bob Quackenbush, along with current women's basketball coach Sandrine Krul and sports information specialist James Nicholson, served as masters of ceremonies.
Assistant Athletic Director and men's basketball coach Devin Engebretsen provided closing remarks and live music.
