The Hornets compete at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, considered one of the finest rowing venues in the country. Photo courtesy of Sacramento State Athletics

SACRMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced on Sept. 23 that Sacramento State will join the league as an affiliate member in women’s rowing beginning with the upcoming 2027 season.

Sacramento State becomes the MAC’s seventh women’s rowing program, joining Delaware, Eastern Michigan, High Point, Massachusetts, Temple and Toledo.

“I am pleased to welcome Sacramento State to the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member in women’s rowing,” said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher. “The Hornets bring an established program, a strong competitive tradition and a commitment to excellence that will strengthen our championship field. We look forward to having Sacramento State compete for a MAC championship beginning in 2027.”

Previously, Sacramento State Rowing had been affiliate members of the WCC (2025-26) - the only conference on the West Coast that currently sponsors rowing. The affiliate membership concluded, creating an opportunity for the Hornets to find a new conference home. The MAC is a nationally respected conference that will provide Hornet student-athletes with a memorable championship experience. Prior to the WCC, the Hornets were also members of the American Athletic Conference (2015-24), and Conference USA (2014). 

“Joining the MAC as an affiliate member is an exciting next step for Sacramento State Rowing, and a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes,” Director of Athletics Mark Orr said. “The MAC provides a competitive conference setting and will give our student-athletes the opportunity to compete for a championship alongside respected programs from across the country. We are grateful to the MAC for welcoming the Hornets, and look forward to competing in the conference and continuing to build Sacramento State Rowing on a national level.”

The MAC held its inaugural Women's Rowing Championship this past May at Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, Mich. Massachusetts swept all five races to become the league's first champion and earn the MAC’s first automatic berth to the NCAA Women's Rowing Championship. The 2027 MAC Women's Rowing Championship will take place May 15 at Ford Lake.

“I could not be happier to join such a strong and respected conference as the MAC,” Sacramento State head coach Sarah Puddicombe said. "This is an exciting opportunity for our rowing program, and our student-athletes who will have the chance to compete for a conference championship against crews from across the country. We look forward to building new rivalries, representing Sacramento State on a national stage, and being part of the MAC rowing community.”

The Hornets’ rowing program gained intercollegiate status in 1995, and had not been affiliated with an NCAA-sanctioned conference until joining Conference USA in 2014. Prior to 2014, Sacramento State had been a member of the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) from 1995-2013.

The Hornets compete at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, considered one of the finest rowing venues in the country. The site has hosted many regional and national events, including the NCAA Women's Rowing Championship nine times.

Puddicombe is currently in her first season as the Hornets' head coach, taking over for longtime coach Mike Connors who recently retired. Puddicombe spent the previous three seasons as the Hornets’ assistant coach. She was a two-time All-American coxswain at UC Davis, a three-time team captain, and won an NCAA national championship as both an athlete and coach.

The Hornets’ fall schedule begins Oct. 24 at the Head of the American which will be held at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center.