Pitzer Students Named 2025 SCIAC Athlete & Newcomer of the Year

As all-star scholars and athletes, the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens are the pride of collegiate athletics in Division III. This year, two Pitzer students have scored top recognition for their feats on the field from the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC).

Athlete of the Year in Soccer

On November 6, SCIAC selected Niclas Ulrich ’26 as the Defensive Athlete of the Year in men’s soccer. Ulrich also represented the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens on the All-SCIAC First Team.

Ulrich’s impact on both ends of the field was crucial in the Sagehens climbing from ninth place last year to finish a single point shy of sharing the regular season title. Not only did Pomona-Pitzer surrender the fewest goals in the league at a mere one per game, but the center back also recorded three goals and three assists to top the team with nine points. Ulrich also served as a team captain.

Newcomer of the Year in Cross-Country

On November 7, Kate Sherry ’29 was named as the SCIAC Newcomer of the Year in women’s cross-country. Sherry also joined six other Pomona-Pitzer women’s cross-country student-athletes in being named All-SCIAC Team members. Sherry earned All-SCIAC Second Team recognition.

Before coming to Pitzer, Sherry ran cross country and track at Palos Verdes High School. At the 2025 SCIAC championship on November 1, Sherry earned 20th place in the 6K with a time of 22:55.9.

Learn more at Sagehen Athletics.