What's Happening?
Sacramento State's women's rowing program will join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as an affiliate member starting with the 2027 season. This move makes Sacramento State the seventh women's rowing program in the MAC, alongside Delaware, Eastern Michigan,
High Point, Massachusetts, Temple, and Toledo. The decision follows the conclusion of Sacramento State's previous affiliate membership with the West Coast Conference (WCC), which was the only conference on the West Coast sponsoring rowing. The Hornets' rowing program gained intercollegiate status in 1995 and has previously been affiliated with Conference USA (2014) and the American Athletic Conference (2015-2024). The MAC held its inaugural Women's Rowing Championship in May 2026, where Massachusetts swept all five races.
Why It's Important?
This affiliation provides Sacramento State student-athletes with a significant opportunity to compete for a conference championship within a nationally respected conference. The MAC offers a competitive setting that will allow the Hornets to build new rivalries and gain national exposure. For the MAC, the addition of Sacramento State strengthens its championship field by incorporating an established program with a strong competitive tradition and a commitment to excellence. This expansion underscores the growing prominence of women's rowing within collegiate athletics and the strategic efforts by conferences to enhance their competitive offerings and geographic reach. The move also highlights the dynamic nature of conference realignments in collegiate sports, driven by factors such as competitive opportunities and program development.
What's Next?
Sacramento State will officially begin competing in the Mid-American Conference for women's rowing in the 2027 season. The 2027 MAC Women's Rowing Championship is scheduled to take place on May 15 at Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where Sacramento State will have its first opportunity to contend for a conference title. The Hornets' fall schedule for the upcoming season will commence on October 24 with the Head of the American event, hosted at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. The program will focus on integrating into the new conference structure and preparing its student-athletes for the increased competitive demands.
Beyond the Headlines
The transition to the MAC for Sacramento State's women's rowing program reflects a broader trend in collegiate sports where institutions seek optimal conference alignments to enhance athletic and academic opportunities for their student-athletes. This move could potentially elevate the profile of women's rowing, attracting more talent and resources to the sport. The Sacramento State Aquatic Center, recognized as a premier rowing venue, could also see increased national attention as it hosts events for a MAC-affiliated program. The shift also emphasizes the importance of strong leadership, as head coach Sarah Puddicombe, a two-time All-American and NCAA national champion, guides the program into this new era, aiming to build on its competitive tradition.
