I didn't know Randy except by sight, and in the company of Jori Gonzales. He had a big impact, though, especially at Sac State.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento State is saddened to announce the passing of former Hornet gymnastics coach Randy Solorio following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.
A fixture on the Sacramento State campus for nearly 40 years, Solorio served as an assistant coach, head coach and kinesiology instructor since 1986.
"The man loved Sac State, this was his home, and his family," current head coach Melissa Genovese said. "Randy's impact goes far beyond the gymnastics floor. Some could argue his ballroom dance class was the most popular class on campus. You couldn't go anywhere on campus without someone knowing Randy. His personality and love of life was contagious, and he always looked at the positive side of everything. That outlook and his years of dedication had a profound impact on Sac State gymnastics and every person he met."
Solorio was the head coach of the Hornets from 2016-23. 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. His teams went on to add three more top 10 marks and account for over half of the top totals in program history.
...Outside of gymnastics, Solorio taught ballroom dancing and weightlifting classes for the kinesiology department and was also a member of the UEI board. Throughout his life he starred in local theater, musicals and commercials in Sacramento. Solorio regularly showcased his vocal skills by singing the national anthem prior to meets where he was accompanied by his wife, Jori, and daughter Kaycee.
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.
...Prior to coaching, Solorio was a decorated gymnast himself, earning All-America honors on vault, high bar and floor exercise while competing for 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.
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