Sage Mortimer has emerged as a prominent figure in women's wrestling, marked by her competitive spirit and significant achievements. From her early days in Utah to her collegiate success, Mortimer's journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.
Early Life and Introduction to Wrestling
Beginning at 8 years old, Mortimer's competitive drive propelled her early wrestling career. Mortimer remembers at 8 years old, when her parents would not let her play sharks and minnows with her older brother, Quenton. It infuriated her. It was not fair, she told her parents. "I wanted to play," she recalled. "So, I was like, 'OK, I'm gonna wrestle then." It didn't matter that Mortimer would be wrestling against boys. The Springville, Utah, native did not look around the room and see the difference between boys and girls. All she saw was her competition.
"I was born with this competitive drive, this gritty personality," she said. As she was growing up in Utah, coach Craig LaMont would work with her on mental toughness as an aspect of their practice. "In my brain, it doesn't matter who it is across the mat. I see every match as something I can win.
High School and Early Achievements
By the time she reached high school, Mortimer still wrestled on the boys team. At 15, Mortimer became the first girl to win an All-America title in a men's division at the Greco-Roman Junior National Championships. "Younger girls started seeing me, and it kind of paved the way for a lot of younger girls to say, 'Oh, I can do that. I can be a girl wrestler,'" she said. "It was awesome because once those girls saw me, it exploded through Utah. By the time she reached her senior year, girls wrestling was sanctioned in Utah.
Collegiate Career
Out of high school, Mortimer wrestled for two seasons at King (Tennessee). Between her sophomore and junior years, Mortimer took an Olympic redshirt year to train. Then, during a summer training camp in Utah, Mortimer met Jake Short, coach of the new Grand Valley State women's wrestling team. Short helped Mortimer rekindle her love of wrestling. Back on Grand Valley State's campus, Mortimer settled back into the routine of being a student-athlete.
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"I broke down in tears on the mat, and then I was in tears walking off the mat. I was in tears for my interview," she said. "I was in shock but also I was so proud of myself because I believe in myself so much.
Mortimer said having supportive teammates has made her collegiate experience more enjoyable. "I'm so grateful for all my teammates. They have made this sport so much fun," she said. "They support me in every way, and we all are always building each other up. "I grew up always being the only girl, so I was used to it. I didn't really see how great it could be to be on a team with other women who love the sport just as much as I love it," she said. "It's so much better being surrounded by women. Mortimer said she looks forward to the inaugural NCAA women's wrestling championship in 2026.
"You can feel like you're doing your sport in a safe space, and you can grow exponentially when you're in a sport surrounded by other individuals like you," she said.
Key Collegiate Achievements:
- 2025 Regional Champion
- National Champion
- Undefeated season (24-0) in 2024-2025
- 9 falls, 11 tech falls, and 4 decision wins
50 Kg Semifinal - Sage Mortimer, Utah Vs Natalie Reyna-Rodriguez, McKendree Bearcat Wrestling Club
Recognition and Awards
Sage Mortimer has earned a spot as a finalist for the 2025 USA Wrestling Women's College Wrestler of the Year. The winner of this prestigious award will be determined by votes from three major constituent groups: wrestling journalists, women's college head coaches and fans. Fan voting opens today, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and runs through Sunday, April 6, 2025. Women's college wrestlers from all recognized colleges were eligible for this award, including those from NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA/junior colleges. Sage Mortimer is a 2025 Regional Champion, National Champion, and finished the 2024-2025 season undefeated with a 24-0 record. She recorded 9 falls, 11 tech falls, and 4 decision wins. Your support can make all the impact-don't miss out!
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Personal Qualities and Mental Toughness
Her stubborn personality and fierce competitiveness are weapons but not a secret. Some slight anger issues when she was younger, she admitted, gave her an edge.
Match Results
A glimpse into Sage Mortimer's performance during the Manti Varsity Holiday Classic:
| Date | Result | Score | Time | Opponent | Opponent Team | Round | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/15 | W | 5-0 | 1:16 | K. Barney | Ben Lomond | Round 1 | 106 |
| 12/15 | W | 7-0 | 3:38 | G. Guymon | Carbon | Round 2 | 106 |
| 12/15 | W | 2-0 | 1:39 | J. Peterson | Wayne | Round 2 | 106 |
| 12/15 | W | 2-0 | 0:38 | K. Larson | Summit Academy | Round 5 | 106 |
| 12/15 | W | 8-1 | 0:21 | M. Mease | North Sanpete | Round 4 | 106 |
| 12/15 | W | 10-4 | 3:42 | F. Sanchez | Manti | Round 3 | 106 |
| 12/15 | W | 5-0 | 1:56 | J. Allen | Monument Valley | Round 1 | 106 |
| 12/15 | W | 4-2 | 3:23 | G. Jensen | Gunnison | Round 1 | 106 |
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