SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento State Director of Athletics Mark Orr was named one of the Top 100 Athletic Directors in America by Silver Waves Media, announced today. 
 
Orr's tenure with the Hornets began in April of 2017 and has been filled with success and transformation. Sacramento State teams have combined to win 30 conference titles and make numerous NCAA postseason appearances. That success has led to record-breaking attendance, fundraising and corporate sponsorships. Hornet student-athletes have also produced the highest GPAs in school history under Orr's watch.
 
"This is a great honor but one that I couldn't do alone," Orr said. "Our success begins with the support of President Luke Wood and continues through a great group of administrators, coaches and student-athletes who strive every day to make Sacramento State great."
 
Significant improvements have also been made to the athletic facilities at Sacramento State. Orr most recently oversaw the transition of the women's and men's basketball teams to the Hornet Pavilion at The WELL.  Both programs had large gains in attendance and the venue allowed for men's basketball games to be shown on local television for the first time in program history. Last fall, Hornet Stadium debuted new end zone seating, LED lighting and digital sideline boards. Orr has also seen the creation of the beach volleyball facility, installed concessions and restrooms at soccer and softball, a new playing surface for volleyball, new lighting, paint and videoboard in The Nest, a gymnastics training facility and a new press box and suites at Hornet Stadium.
 
One of the largest changes will come during the 2026-27 season where Sacramento State will transition the majority of its teams to The Big West while the Hornet football program will make the move to the FBS and become a member of the Mid-American Conference. That move will lead to greater visibility for the University as the Hornets have already been tabbed to appear on national television at least five times during the 2026 campaign.
 
He is also heavily involved in the Sacramento community, which includes serving on the board of directors for the Roberts Family Development Center and is on the Visit Sacramento Sports Commission Advisory board. Orr is also a member of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA).
 
About Silver Waves Media
Established in 2020, Silver Waves Media is dedicated to helping sports professionals and athletes advance their careers to the next stage. We have provided over 20,000 athletes and teams with professional-quality video highlights, our nationally renowned Impactful Lists have helped shine a light on coaches across the country, and we are recognized by universities and executives everywhere. Founded by Ryan Silver, the purpose of Silver Waves Media is to lift up others in the sports world and highlight the success and achievements of those around us. Ryan Silver is the founder of West Coast Elite Under Armour and West Coast Elite Basketball and is one of the most connected people in college sports.