SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After nearly four decades of service to Sacramento State, head gymnastics coach Randy Solorio has announced that he will retire following the 2023 season.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching at Sacramento State but it is time to start a new chapter in my life following this season," Solorio said. "Overcoming liver cancer and being recently married, I look forward to being able to spend more time outside of the gym. That said, I will always be involved with Hornet gymnastics in some capacity. My time here has provided some amazing memories and friendships that will last a lifetime and I am thankful for the opportunity I have had at Sacramento State and look forward to having a great season in 2023."

Solorio has served as the head coach of the Hornets since 2016. 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. Since that season, his teams have added three more top 10 marks and account for over half of the top totals in program history.

Solorio began his tenure at Sacramento State in 1986 as an assistant coach under Kim Hughes. The duo proved to be a great team guiding the Hornets to seven conference titles. The Hornets also made their first NCAA regional team appearance during the stretch, advancing to the postseason in 1999, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Individually, Solorio mentored Rebecca Seebirt to USAG national championships on vault in 1994, 1995 and 1997.

Those efforts did not go unrecognized as he was named the West Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 1990 and 2006, the USA Gymnastics Assistant Coach of the Year in 1997 and the MPSF Assistant Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2015.

"I want to thank Randy for his dedication and commitment to Sacramento State," Director of Athletics Mark Orr said. "Spending close to 40 years at one school is nearly unheard of in collegiate athletics. He should be proud on the impact he has had on the numerous student-athletes that have come through the program and I look forward to seeing the team succeed and being able to honor him during his final season."

Solorio was elected to the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Committee in 2018 where he helps establish rule changes for the sport and oversees the national championships. During his time on the committee, the NCAA Gymnastics Championships have reached new heights, setting record numbers for viewership and appearing on national broadcast television for the first time.

Prior to coaching, Solorio was a decorated gymnast himself, earning All-America honors on vault, high bar and floor exercise while competing fro UC Davis from 1980-82. He finished his academic career at Sacramento State where he earned a bachelor of science in exercise science and master's in sports performance. He later became a certified strength and conditioning coach and taught classes at Sacramento State in weight training and ballroom dancing. He has also starred in local theater, musicals and commercials in Sacramento.