Tim Strader Named New Sac State Women's Soccer Head Coach

Experienced coach looks to turn around struggling program as Hornets join Big West Conference

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:40am

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Sacramento State has hired Tim Strader as the new head coach for the women's soccer team. Strader, who previously served as an assistant at Texas A&M and Cal Baptist, takes over a program that has not had a winning season since 2019. He is tasked with rebuilding the Hornets as they transition to the competitive Big West Conference.

Why it matters

The Sac State women's soccer team has struggled in recent years, and the hiring of Strader represents an opportunity to turn the program around. As the Hornets join the Big West, a strong women's soccer team could help raise the school's athletic profile and engage the local community.

The details

Strader, who has over a decade of coaching experience, said he is ready for the challenge of rebuilding the Sac State program. He emphasized the importance of recruiting competitive players who can play an organized, possession-oriented style of soccer. Strader also highlighted the leadership of the university and the strength of the Big West Conference as factors that attracted him to the job.

  • Sac State announced Strader's hiring on March 3, 2026.
  • Strader previously served as an assistant coach at Texas A&M in 2025 and at Cal Baptist from 2018-2024, where he was promoted to associate head coach in his final two seasons.

The players

Tim Strader

The new head coach of the Sac State women's soccer team, with over a decade of coaching experience including stints as an assistant at Texas A&M and Cal Baptist.

Mark Orr

The athletic director at Sacramento State, who cited Strader's leadership and vision as key factors in his hiring.

Michael Linenberger

The head coach of the Sac State men's soccer team, who was involved in the coaching search process and praised Strader's familiarity with the region and conference.

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What they’re saying

“We know we've got our work cut out for us, but I don't run from hard things, I want the challenge.”

— Tim Strader, Head Coach (statehornet.com)

“Throughout the national search process, Tim [Strader] demonstrated a commitment to building a strong team culture, [and] a clear vision to building competitive success on the field, in the classroom and within the Sacramento community.”

— Mark Orr, Athletic Director (statehornet.com)

“He's familiar with the Big West Conference and California. He also has experience at the highest level of NCAA Division I women's soccer.”

— Michael Linenberger, Head Coach, Men's Soccer (statehornet.com)

What’s next

Strader said his immediate priority is to rebuild the Sac State roster through recruiting, with the team currently having only 13-14 players. He emphasized the need to bring in competitive, possession-oriented players who can help the Hornets be successful in the Big West Conference.

The takeaway

The hiring of Tim Strader as the new Sac State women's soccer head coach represents an opportunity for the program to turn the corner after several losing seasons. Strader's experience and vision for the team, combined with the school's leadership and the move to the competitive Big West, could help the Hornets become a force in the conference in the coming years.