The Sacramento State athletics department, under the leadership of Director of Athletics Mark Orr, has navigated a dynamic landscape of challenges and triumphs in the last seven years — all of which Orr, a South Sacramento native, has handled with as much grace and skill as he used to handle his position as defensive back for UC Berkeley. Though Orr’s own athletic career was cut short by a knee injury during his senior year, the shift in his life focus proved to be a turning point, launching him on a successful path in athletics administration.
Orr’s passion for creating a top-tier athletic experience seems to burn with a particular fervor. In speaking with him about the work Sac State has done, you can visibly see the pride he and his staff take in guiding the department based where his own life’s journey began.
“I’m born and raised in Sacramento,” Orr says. “I grew up in South Sac. I went to Christian Brothers. I spent my life here and there’s no place I’d rather be. I think Sacramento and the people within it are amazing. And when it comes to sports? They are extremely supportive.”
Like many college and university athletic departments, Sac State’s has faced its own financial constraints and competitive pressures over the decades. Despite these challenges, the department has demonstrated resilience and innovation, achieving notable successes both on and off the field. These include a new beach volleyball center, a soon-to-be-completed state-of-the-art basketball arena and the school’s first-ever combat sports program, along with a string of championships across the athletic spectrum. Through it all, the focus for Orr and Sac State remains the same.
“We’re so proud of our student athletes because no matter what, they put the student aspect first,” Orr says. “Our university is proud to sponsor 21 sports and hundreds of student-athletes as they prepare for the road ahead, whatever it may be.”
This renaissance extends beyond the field. Sac State has implemented initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity within the department, prioritizing the holistic development of student-athletes and cultivating a sense of pride and unity among fans and supporters.
“We’re so proud of our student athletes because no matter what, they put the student aspect first. Our university is proud to sponsor 21 sports and hundreds of student-athletes as they prepare for the road ahead, whatever it may be.”— Mark Orr, Director of Athletics
Furthermore, Orr’s visionary leadership has led to strategic partnerships with local businesses and alumni, bolstering financial sustainability and expanding opportunities for student-athletes. Through collaborative efforts and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Sac State athletics has emerged as a source of pride for the university community, exemplifying the transformative power of sports in shaping lives and fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. As the department continues to build on its successes and confront new challenges, its legacy of resilience and achievement under Mark Orr’s guidance serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Sac State athletics.
