SACRAMENTO -- For nearly a quarter century, Sacramento State rowing head coach Mike Connors has been a constant presence on the waters of Lake Natoma.

Now, after 24 seasons leading the Hornets, and four decades as a collegiate head coach, Connors has announced his retirement. He was appointed the fourth rowing coach in Sacramento State history prior to the 2002-03 season, and had been the second longest tenured head coach on campus.

"When I arrived at Sacramento State 24 years ago, I couldn't have imagined the journey ahead," Connors said. "What I'll remember most is not the medals - it's the remarkable student-athletes who committed themselves to something bigger than themselves every day on and off the water. 

"I am proud of the program and the foundation we've established for consistent competitiveness and doing things the right way. I want to thank Hornet Athletics, the student-athletes, our academic support staff and all the great folks at the Aquatic Center who make Lake Natoma the best place in the United States to row."

During his career, the Hornets established themselves as a respected program nationally while competing in multiple conferences and consistently challenging some of the sport's top programs. Connors helped guide the program into NCAA-affiliated conference competition, first in Conference USA (2014), then the American Athletic Conference (2015-24) and eventually the West Coast Conference (2025-pres.).

"Mike Connors' name will forever be synonymous with Sacramento State rowing," Director of Athletics Mark Orr said. "Over the course of 24 seasons, he helped shape our program into one that competes with pride, integrity, and determination while creating an unforgettable experience for countless student-athletes. 

"His commitment to the program, his passion for developing young women, and his dedication to Sacramento State have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come. On behalf of the entire Hornet family, we thank Mike for his extraordinary contributions and wish him and his family the very best in retirement."

During Connors' tenure, the varsity eight posted a dual-meet record of 173-99, and the second varsity eight went 129-99 over that same time frame. Sacramento State rowers combined for 61 all-conference selections under Connors, including 35 that received first team accolades. 

Of the Hornets' eight appearances at the American Athletic Conference Championship (they did not compete in 2019 or 2020), the program posted top three finishes on four of those occasions. 

During the program's tenure in the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA), Connors guided the Hornets to five team titles. In fact, the second varsity eight medaled at the WIRA Championship 16 times, the varsity eight on 13 occasions, and the novice eight on nine occasions. The Hornets' top three boats combined for 12 gold medals, 14 silvers, and 12 bronze medals over that span.

Academically, over the last 13 years, the Hornets have seen a combined 74 student-athletes receive the National Scholar-Athlete Award, an honor handed out by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association for academic excellence. That includes a school-record 10 Hornets receiving the honor in 2020, followed by nine more in 2021. This past season, the team had seven honorees.

Other of the many highlights from Connors' career include this past March when the varsity eight won the Cal Cup title at the San Diego Crew Classic for just the second time in program history. In addition, the varsity eight won the 2010 and 2004 Dad Vail Regattas, the second varsity eight posted its highest finish (2nd) at the 2010 Dad Vail, a varsity eight victory over Texas in 2009, a 2006 WIRA Coach of the Year award, and a 30-consecutive dual meet winning streak for the varsity eight that stretched from 2003 until 2007.

Prior to his arrival at Sacramento State, the Spokane, Wash., native spent four years (1998-02) as the head men's rowing coach at UC Davis, the Aggies' men's novice crew coach (1996-98), and head coach of the Oakland Strokes Rowing Club (1994-95). The 40-year coaching veteran also spent seven years as the head coach of the Santa Clara women's rowing team (1986-92).

Connors earned a bachelor of science degree in management from Santa Clara in 1983 and a master's degree from his alma mater in finance in 1988. He spent four years rowing for Santa Clara (1979-83) and was elected to the school's Hall of Fame as a member of the 1982 lightweight eight.