By : Olivia Jones
For Hobart High School junior Sage Norton, sports are not only just a pastime but also they’re a family legacy built on love, discipline, and countless hours in the gym. A two-sport athlete starring in both basketball and softball, Sage’s dedication and drive has made her one of Hobart’s most promising competitors.
Her motivation starts in on place, at home. “My mom is my biggest motivator—she always believes I can do more, which pushes me to be better,” Sage said. “My dad is also my coach, so we’ve spent a lot of time in the gym working on my game.” That balance of encouragement and accountability has helped her grow into a dynamic point guard on the basketball court and a dependable center fielder and leadoff hitter on the softball diamond.
Sage’s path to success didn’t just happen overnight nor was it an accident; it’s been built through hard work, long practices, and unwavering focus. “It’s taken dedication and a lot of time in the gym to develop my skills,” she said. That dedication paid off early, when as a freshman at Seiling, she helped her team capture a Class A state championship—a moment she’ll never forget.
Now, as a Hobart Bearcat, Sage takes pride in representing her school and community with the same intensity that defines her play. “Playing for Hobart High means representing my school and community with pride, hard work, and integrity,” she said.
On and off the court, Sage is known for her commitment and leadership. She balances FCA, Student Council, and Junior Ambassadors with a full course load—including college classes—while maintaining straight A’s. “Staying organized and disciplined allows me to stay on top of everything,” she said.
Before each game, you’ll find Sage shooting around early and scrolling through TikTok to relax before tip-off. She models her game after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, admiring his smooth scoring and ball-handling ability. Looking ahead, she dreams of continuing her basketball journey at a Division I program.
If she’s not in the gym, you’ll likely find Sage on the softball field, hanging out with friends, or spending time with her family—the people who have been her biggest supporters since day one.
