SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Sacramento State University is saddened to announce the passing of former Hornet gymnastics coach Randy Solorio following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.
 
A fixture on the Sacramento State campus for nearly 40 years, Solorio served as an assistant coach, head coach and kinesiology instructor since 1986.
 
"The man loved Sac State, this was his home, and his family," current head coach Melissa Genovese said. "Randy's impact goes far beyond the gymnastics floor. Some could argue his ballroom dance class was the most popular class on campus. You couldn't go anywhere on campus without someone knowing Randy. His personality and love of life was contagious, and he always looked at the positive side of everything. That outlook and his years of dedication had a profound impact on Sac State gymnastics and every person he met."
 
Solorio was the head coach of the Hornets from 2016-23. His first season at the helm saw Sacramento State win the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship and saw four Hornet gymnasts advance to the NCAA West Regional. That season, the team posted three top 10 overall scores, including the two best scores in school history. His teams went on to add three more top 10 marks and account for over half of the top totals in program history.
 
Following his retirement, Solorio remained close to the program, frequently stopping by practice and serving as an analyst for the team's video streams of home meets. One of his largest contributions to Sacramento State gymnastics came to fruition this past summer when the team moved into its new training facility. Solorio was instrumental in the creation and design of the facility and worked closely with University Enterprises Inc., from a dream to completion.
 
"This is a sad day for Sacramento State and we are mourning with his family and loved ones," Director of Athletics Mark Orr said. "Randy was a beloved member of the campus and left a positive impact on countless people. He dedicated a large portion of his life to the University and his legacy will carry on through the hundreds of student-athletes he coached and the staff that he mentored."

Outside of gymnastics, Solorio taught ballroom dancing and weightlifting classes for the kinesiology department and was also a member of the UEI board. Throughout his life he starred in local theater, musicals and commercials in Sacramento. Solorio regularly showcased his vocal skills by singing the national anthem prior to meets where he was accompanied by his wife, Jori, and daughter Kaycee.