The Sacramento State Hornets have built a respected legacy in NCAA athletics, excelling in both Sacramento State Hornets football and Sacramento State Hornets baseball. Established as a competitive program in California’s capital city, the Hornets have achieved major milestones across multiple sports, showcasing tradition, talent, and dedication that continues to inspire their passionate fan base.
College Sports Established
1854
Location
Sacramento, California
College Name
California State University, Sacramento
Collegiate History
1993 - Present / NCAA Division I-AA/FCS
1973 - 1992 / NCAA Division II
1956 - 1972 / NCAA College Division
1954 - 1955 / No Classification
Conference History
1996 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1985 - 1995 / American West Conference
1982 - 1984 / Northern California Athletic Conference
1954 - 1982 / Far Western Conference
Nickname
Hornets - Sacramento State Hornets is the nickname of the NCAA Division I college sports teams from California State University, Sacramento. The school has been known as Sac State since its founding in 1947 and has proudly embraced its mascot, Sammy Hornet. But where did this unique nickname come from?
Sacramento State Hornets Origin
The story of how the Sacramento State Hornets got their name goes back to 1934 when a student at what was then called Sacramento Junior College wrote an article for his school newspaper about adopting a new mascot for his alma mater. He suggested they choose something representing strength and courage—something like “the hornet”! His suggestion was met with enthusiasm by other students and faculty members alike, who thought it would be perfect for honoring local agriculture and symbolizing these qualities.
In 1948, after becoming part of the CSU system as one of its first campuses (then named "California Polytechnic-Sacramento"), officials decided to make ‘Hornets’ official university's athletic team's moniker with support from students who had long championed it over other possible nicknames such as 'Tigers' or 'Spartans.' It wasn't until 1951 that Sammy Hornet – now considered an iconic figure among Sac State fans – officially became associated with our beloved university when he debuted at basketball games wearing yellow-and-black stripes on behalf of all athletics teams across campus!
Today we celebrate our beloved mascot every year during Homecoming festivities which include parades featuring marching bands playing traditional fight songs alongside cheerleaders dressed up like none other than Sammy himself - showing off just how proud we are here at Sac State being represented by such a potent symbol representing strength & courage throughout generations past present & future!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2009
- 2014
- 2017
- 2019
- 2021
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women’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
The Sacramento State Hornets women’s basketball team’s 2009 season: The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 16-14 overall and 10-6 in the Big Sky Conference. Despite entering the conference tournament as the No. 3 seed, Sacramento State won three straight games to claim the championship and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball ... -
The men’s soccer program begins
Start of the Sacramento State Hornets men’s soccer program in 2014: The decision to add men’s soccer as a varsity sport at Sacramento State was announced on April 4, 2013. The program was the first new sport added at the university since women’s golf in 2000. Sacramento State hired former MLS player and coach Michael Linenberger as the program’s first ... -
The Hornets baseball team wins the Western Athletic Conference championship
Sacramento State Hornets baseball team’s 2017 season: The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 32-27 overall and 18-9 in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Sacramento State won the WAC regular season title and earned the top seed in the WAC Tournament. In the WAC Tournament, the Hornets won three straight games to claim the championship, including a ... -
Troy Taylor is hired as head football coach
Troy Taylor’s hiring as the head football coach for the Sacramento State Hornets: Taylor was hired on December 17, 2018, to replace Jody Sears, who was fired after five seasons as head coach. Taylor was a former quarterback at Cal and played professionally in the Canadian Football League before embarking on a coaching career. Prior to coming to Sacramento State, ... -
Hornets football team wins its second Big Sky Conference championship
In the 2021 season, the Sacramento State Hornets football team had a successful campaign, culminating in their second Big Sky Conference championship and fourth FCS playoff appearance in school history. Here are some details of their season: The Hornets finished the regular season with a record of 8-3 overall and 6-2 in Big Sky Conference play. Sacramento State won its ...
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Sacramento State Hornets History
The Sacramento State Hornets have a proud legacy in NCAA athletics, competing strongly in Sacramento state hornets football and Sacramento state hornets baseball. Their rivalry with institutions like Portland State has energized regional matchups. Since the university’s founding in 1947, the Hornets athletics program has gradually grown from humble roots into a respected Division I contender.
The Sacramento state hornets football program began its intercollegiate competition in 1954. Over time, the Hornets joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996 and became a consistent FCS presence. Their home games are held at Hornet Stadium, which has hosted many memorable conference battles.
Although the Hornets haven’t appeared in the FCS national championship, they have captured conference honors. In recent years, Sacramento state hornets football won Big Sky titles in 2019, 2021, and 2022. This period marks one of the most successful stretches in the program’s history.
The Sacramento state hornets baseball program dates back to 1949 and now competes at the Division I level in the Western Athletic Conference. Before the transition, the Hornets had strong performances in Division II with College World Series appearances in 1986 and 1988, and a runner-up finish in 1988.
Since moving to Division I, the Sacramento state hornets baseball team has made three NCAA Tournament appearances in 2014, 2017, and 2019. They’ve won multiple WAC conference tournaments and regular season championships. Under Coach Reggie Christiansen, notable players have progressed to Major League Baseball, including Rhys Hoskins and others.
While men’s basketball has not yet made a Division I NCAA tournament, the Sacramento State Hornets had more success in Division II, with four NCAA D-II appearances before the transition. Since joining the Big Sky, the Sacramento State Hornets men's basketball team has worked hard to capture conference titles and build a stronger postseason record.
Beyond those, the Hornets’ athletic program fields over 20 varsity teams, achieving conference distinctions in soccer, volleyball, and other sports. Sacramento State’s profile has grown considerably in recent years, especially with increased investment in facilities and program ambitions.
Hornets Achievements
In Sacramento state hornets football, the Big Sky titles in 2019, 2021, and 2022 stand as recent highlights. Though postseason deep runs have been elusive, the Hornets’ consistent success underscores their competitive status in FCS.
In Sacramento state hornets baseball, the multiple NCAA appearances in 2014, 2017, and 2019, along with WAC tournament and regular season championships, reveal a program capable of success at the next level. Several Hornets have gone pro, enhancing the program’s legacy in Sacramento state hornets baseball.
Today, the Sacramento State Hornets embody resilience and ambition across sports. Whether in Sacramento state hornets football or Sacramento state hornets baseball, their successes, alumni, and growing fan support continue to strengthen the Hornets’ legacy across collegiate athletics.
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