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?
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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History of the Hornets
The men’s basketball program has been particularly successful at Sacramento State. The Hornets won three Big Sky Conference titles between 1981-1982 and 1988-1989 while appearing four times in NCAA tournament play, including an Elite 8 appearance during the 1982 season! In recent years they've continued their success with back-to-back regular season conference championships (2011 & 2012) and two consecutive post-season tournament crowns (2013 & 2014).
In addition to basketball success, Sacramento State's baseball program has had plenty of highlights - including six trips to Omaha for College World Series play since 1970! They've captured nine total conference titles under head coach Reggie Christiansen who is currently entering his 18th year at the helm of the Hornet Baseball Program.
Overall, there is no shortage of great moments regarding Sac States Athletics History! From Football Bowl Appearances, Basketball Tournament Runs, and CWS Showings - Fans should be proud of what these student-athletes have accomplished throughout decades! Go, Hornet Nation!!
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