Goleta, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame welcomed its 2026 class on September 15, recognizing seven individuals whose dedication has shaped local athletics. The induction ceremony was held in Hatch Hall at Direct Relief, with Noozhawk Sports Editor Diego Sandoval serving as master of ceremonies.
Special‑achievement honoree
Javier Acosta was honored for his lifelong service as the head groundskeeper at Santa Barbara High School and for maintaining numerous youth‑sports fields throughout the region. His behind‑the‑scenes work has kept playing surfaces safe and ready for generations of student‑athletes.
Athlete inductees
Artie Holland earned a place in the Hall for his dual‑sport excellence at San Marcos High School in the late 1970s. Holland went on to play baseball at Santa Barbara City College and Fresno State, leaving a lasting legacy as a two‑sport star.
Shantay Legans was celebrated for his outstanding high‑school career, earning Santa Barbara County Player of the Year honors twice while at Dos Pueblos High School. After collegiate stints at Cal and Fresno State and a professional career overseas, Legans now serves his fifth season as head coach at the University of Portland.
Jordyn Lilly captured the 2015 CIF‑SS Division 5A Player of the Year award and led Bishop Diego High School to a Southern Section title that same year, showcasing the talent emerging from local schools.
Jenna Phreaner excelled as a water‑polo goalkeeper, earning First Team All‑CIF honors at San Marcos High School in 2013. She continued her success at UC Irvine, where she was named the 2018 Big West Tournament MVP.
Coaching inductees
Ben Howland was recognized for his distinguished coaching career. After playing basketball at Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara City College and Weber State, Howland built a reputation as a top assistant at UCSB before leading the University of Pittsburgh and later UCLA to three consecutive Final Four appearances from 2006 to 2008.
Danelle Little Muhr earned three straight CIF‑SS championships as the girls’ water‑polo coach at Dos Pueblos High School from 2008 to 2010, receiving Coach of the Year honors each year. Before coaching, she was a standout player at Dos Pueblos and UCSB.
Community impact
The Hall of Fame class highlights the deep roots of athletic excellence in Santa Barbara County, from high‑school fields to collegiate arenas. Each inductee exemplifies the values of hard work, dedication and community service that the Round Table seeks to honor.
Family members, former teammates, coaches and local officials attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of sports as a unifying force in the region. The event also served as a reminder of the vital role that volunteers, educators and support staff play in nurturing the next generation of athletes.
As the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table continues to celebrate its storied past, the 2026 inductees stand as role models for young athletes who aspire to achieve greatness on and off the field.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
