List of NCAA Division I conference changes in the 2000s explained

See also: List of NCAA Division I conference changes in the 2020s, List of NCAA Division I conference changes in the 2010s and List of NCAA Division I conference changes before 2000. NCAA Division I conference realignment refers to changes in the alignment of college or university athletic programs from one National Collegiate Athletic Association athletic conference to another.

2009–2010

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Air Force FalconsGWLLECAC Lacrosse
Albany Great DanesAmerica EastMAAC
Bellarmine KnightsGWLLECAC Lacrosse
Boston University TerriersAmerica EastMAAC
Bryant BulldogsFull membershipDivision I IndependentNortheast
Chicago State CougarsFull membership (non-football)IndependentGreat West
Denver PioneersGWLLECAC Lacrosse
Georgetown HoyasECAC LacrosseBig East
Hartford HawksAmerica EastMAAC
Houston Baptist HuskiesFull membership (non-football)IndependentGreat West
Iona GaelsFootballDivision I FCS IndependentDropped football
Marist Red FoxesFootball(non-football)Pioneer
NJIT HighlandersFull membership (non-football)IndependentGreat West
Northern Colorado BearsBaseballDivision I IndependentGreat West
Northern Iowa PanthersBaseballMVCDropped baseball
North Dakota Fighting SiouxFull membershipNorth Central (D-II)Great West
Notre Dame Fighting IrishGWLLBig East
NYIT BearsBaseballDivision I IndependentGreat West
Ohio State BuckeyesGWLLECAC Lacrosse
Penn State Nittany LionsECAC LacrosseCAA
Quinnipiac BobcatsGWLLECAC Lacrosse
Rutgers Scarlet KnightsECAC LacrosseBig East
Seattle RedhawksBaseball(non-baseball)Division I Independent
St. John's Red StormECAC LacrosseBig East
South Dakota CoyotesFull membershipNorth Central (D-II)Great West
Texas–Pan American BroncsFull membership (non-football)IndependentGreat West
UMass MinutemenECAC LacrosseCAA
Utah Valley WolverinesFull membership (non-football)IndependentGreat West
Vermont CatamountsBaseballAmerica EastDropped baseball
Western Kentucky HilltoppersFootballIndependentSun Belt

2008–2009

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Arizona State Sun DevilsMen's tennisPac-10Dropped men's tennis
Bryant BulldogsAll sportsNortheast-10 (Division II)Independent
Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersBaseball(non-baseball)Independent
Campbell Fighting CamelsFootball(non-football)Pioneer
Chicago State CougarsCross country, track & field, golf, and tennisIndependentGreat West
Cincinnati BearcatsWomen's lacrosseIndependentBig East[1]
Duquesne DukesFootballMAACNEC
Florida Atlantic OwlsMen's soccerAtlantic SoccerMAC
Gardner–Webb Runnin' BulldogsAll sports except footballAtlantic SunBig South
Hawaii−Hilo Vulcans[2] BaseballDivision I IndependentPacific West (Division II)
Houston Baptist HuskiesCross country, track & field, golf, and tennisIndependentGreat West
Iona GaelsFootballMAACDivision I FCS Independent
La Salle ExplorersFootballMAACDropped football
Louisville CardinalsWomen's lacrosseIndependentBig East[3]
Morehead State EaglesMen's and women's indoor track & fieldOVCDropped both sports[4]
Morehead State EaglesWomen's golfNo teamOVC
NJIT HighlandersCross country, track & field, golf, and tennisIndependentGreat West
North Dakota Fighting SiouxFootball, cross country, track & field, golf, and tennisNorth Central (D-II)Great West
North Dakota Fighting SiouxAll sports except football, cross country, track & field, golf, and tennisNorth Central (D-II)Independent
North Dakota State BisonFootballGreat West FootballMVFC
Oregon DucksBaseball(non-baseball)Pac-10
Presbyterian Blue HoseAll sportsIndependentBig South
Philadelphia RamsMen's soccerAtlantic SoccerCACC (D-II)
Samford BulldogsAll sportsOhio ValleySouthern
South Dakota CoyotesFootball, cross country, track & field, golf, and tennisNorth Central (D-II)Great West
South Dakota State JackrabbitsFootballGreat West FootballMVFC
SIU Edwardsville CougarsAll sports (non-football)GLVC (Division II)Independent
Texas–Pan American BroncsCross country, track & field, golf, and tennis?Great West
Utah Valley WolverinesCross country, track & field, golf, and tennisIndependentGreat West
Wayne State WarriorsMen's ice hockeyCHADropped men's ice hockey

2007–2008

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Austin Peay GovernorsFootballDivision I FCS independentOhio Valley
Central Arkansas BearsFootballDivision I FCS independentSouthland Conference
Cincinnati BearcatsWomen's lacrosseClub teamIndependent
Delaware Blue HensFootballAtlantic 10CAA
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles[5] All sports (non-football)Independent (Division II)Atlantic Sun
Hofstra PrideFootballAtlantic 10CAA
Houston Baptist HuskiesAll sportsNAIAIndependent
IPFW MastodonsAll sports except men's volleyballIndependentThe Summit
James Madison DukesFootballAtlantic 10CAA
Le Moyne DolphinsBaseballMAACIndependent
Louisville CardinalsWomen's lacrosseClub teamIndependent
Maine Black BearsFootballAtlantic 10CAA
Massachusetts MinutemenFootballAtlantic 10CAA
New Hampshire WildcatsFootballAtlantic 10CAA
Northeastern HuskiesFootballAtlantic 10CAA
North Carolina Central Eagles[6] All sportsCIAA (Division II)Independent
North Dakota State BisonAll sports except footballIndependentThe Summit
Presbyterian Blue Hose[7] All sportsSouth Atlantic (Division II)Independent
Rhode Island RamsFootballAtlantic 10CAA
Richmond SpidersFootballAtlantic 10CAA
South Carolina Upstate Spartans[8] All sports (non-football)Peach Belt (Division II)Atlantic Sun
South Dakota State JackrabbitsAll sports except football, men's wrestling, and women's equestrianIndependentThe Summit
Temple OwlsFootballIndependentMid-American
Towson TigersFootballAtlantic 10CAA
UC Davis AggiesAll sports expect footballIndependentBig West
Valparaiso CrusadersAll sports except footballMid-ContinentHorizon League
Villanova WildcatsFootballAtlantic 10CAA
William & Mary TribeFootballAtlantic 10CAA

2006–2007

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Air Force FalconsMen's ice hockeyCHAAtlantic Hockey
Air Force FalconsWrestlingDivision I independentWWC
Austin Peay GovernorsFootballPioneerDivision I FCS independent
Birmingham–Southern PanthersAll sports (non-football)Big SouthSCAC (Division III)
Central Arkansas Bears and Sugar BearsAll sports expect footballGSC (Division II)Southland
Central Arkansas BearsFootballGSC (Division II)Division I FCS Independents
Chicago State CougarsAll (non-football)Mid-ContinentDivision I independent
Florida Atlantic OwlsAll sports (expect football, which joined Sun Belt in 2005–2006)Atlantic SunSun Belt
Louisiana–Monroe WarhawksAll except footballSouthlandSun Belt
Missouri State BearsMen's cross country, men's tennis, men's track & fieldMVCDropped all three sports[9]
NJIT HighlandersAll (non-football)Division IIDivision I independent
North Dakota State BisonWrestlingDivision I independentWWC
Northern Colorado BearsAll sports except baseball and wrestlingDivision I IndependentGreat West FootballBig Sky
Northern Colorado BearsWrestlingDivision I independentWWC
Northern Iowa PanthersWrestlingDivision I independentWWC
TerriersBaseballNECDropped baseball
South Dakota State JackrabbitsWrestlingDivision I independentWWC
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi IslandersAll sports (non-football)Division I IndependentSouthland
Utah Valley WolverinesWrestlingDivision I independentWWC
Wyoming CowboysWrestlingDivision I independentWWC

2005–2006

See main article: 2005 NCAA conference realignment.

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Army Black KnightsFootballConference USADivision I-A Independent
Boston College EaglesAllBig EastACC
Charlotte 49ersAll (non-football)Conference USAAtlantic 10
Cincinnati BearcatsAllConference USABig East
DePaul Blue DemonsAll (non-football)Conference USABig East
East Tennessee State BuccaneersAll (non-football)SouthernAtlantic Sun
Florida Atlantic OwlsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentSun Belt
FIU Golden PanthersFootballDivision I-AA IndependentSun Belt
FIU Golden PanthersMen's soccerAtlantic Soccer ConferenceConference USA
Georgia State PanthersAll (non-football)Atlantic SunCAA
Idaho VandalsAllSun BeltWAC
Kennesaw State OwlsAll (non-football)Peach Belt (Division II)Atlantic Sun
Kentucky WildcatsMen's soccerMACConference USA
Louisville CardinalsAllConference USABig East
Louisville CardinalsField hockeyMACBig East
Marquette Golden EaglesAll (non-football)Conference USABig East
Marshall Thundering HerdAllMACConference USA
New Mexico State AggiesAllSun BeltWAC
Northeastern HuskiesAll except football and ice hockeyAmerica EastCAA
North Florida OspreysAll (non-football)Peach Belt (Division II)Atlantic Sun
Quinnipiac BobcatsMen's ice hockeyAtlantic HockeyECAC Hockey
Quinnipiac BobcatsWomen's ice hockeyCHAECAC Hockey
Rice OwlsAllWACConference USA
Sacramento State HornetsBaseballDivision I IndependentWAC
Saint Louis BillikensAll (non-football)Conference USAAtlantic 10
South Carolina GamecocksMen's soccerDivision I independentConference USA
South Florida BullsAllConference USABig East
Southeastern Louisiana LionsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentSouthland
SMU MustangsAllWACConference USA
Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksBaseball(non-baseball)Southland Conference
TCU Horned FrogsAllConference USAMountain West
Temple OwlsFootballBig EastDivision I-A Independent
Troy TrojansAll except footballAtlantic SunSun Belt
Tulsa HurricaneAllWACConference USA
UCF Golden KnightsAllAtlantic SunMAC (football)Conference USA
Utah State AggiesAllBig WestSun Belt (football)WAC
UTEP MinersAllWACConference USA
Vermont CatamountsMen's and women's ice hockeyECAC HockeyHockey East

2004–2005

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Connecticut HuskiesFootballDivision I-A IndependentBig East
Cal Poly MustangsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentGreat West
Clarkson Golden KnightsWomen's ice hockeyIndependentECAC Hockey
Detroit TitansBaseballHorizonDropped baseball
East Tennessee State BuccaneersFootballSouthernDropped football
Findlay OilersIce hockey (men's and women's)CHADropped hockey
Longwood LancersAll sports (non-football)CVAC (Division II)Division I Independent
Miami HurricanesAll sports except baseballBig EastACC
Miami HurricanesBaseballDivision I IndependentACC
North Dakota Fighting SiouxWomen's ice hockeyIndependentWCHA
North Dakota State BisonAll sports except footballNorth Central (D-II)Division I Independent
North Dakota State BisonFootballNorth Central (D-II)Great West
Northern Colorado BearsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentGreat West
Pace SettersBaseballDivision I IndependentNortheast-10 (Division II)
Quinnipiac BobcatsWomen's ice hockeyIndependentCHA
Saint Mary's GaelsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentDropped football
South Dakota State JackrabbitsAll sports except footballNorth Central (D-II)Division I Independent
South Dakota State JackrabbitsFootballNorth Central (D-II)Great West
Southern Utah ThunderbirdsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentGreat West
Towson TigersFootballPatriot LeagueAtlantic 10
Troy TrojansFootballDivision I-A IndependentSun Belt
UC Davis AggiesAll sports except footballCCAA (D-II)Independent
UC Davis AggiesFootballDivision I-AA IndependentGreat West
Virginia Tech HokiesAll sportsBig EastEWLACC

2003–2004

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Birmingham–Southern Panthers[10] All sports (non-football)IndependentBig South
Centenary Gentlemen and Ladies[11] All sports except for women's gymnastics and men's and women's rifleIndependentMid-Con
Dallas Baptist Patriots[12] BaseballHeartland Conference (D-II)Independent
Drexel Dragons[13] BaseballCAADropped baseball
Drexel DragonsWomen's volleyballCAADropped women's volleyball
Elon Phoenix[14] All sportsBig SouthSoCon
Fairfield StagsFootballMAACDropped football
Fairfield StagsMen's ice hockeyMAACDropped hockey
Iona GaelsMen's ice hockeyMAACDropped hockey
Jacksonville State Gamecocks[15] All sports except football and rifleA-SunOVC
Jacksonville State Gamecocks[16] FootballSouthlandOVC
Jacksonville State GamecocksRifleGARCOVC
Lipscomb Bisons[17] All sports (non-football)IndependentA-Sun
Morris Brown Wolverines[18] All sportsIndependentDiscontinued athletics
Northern Colorado BearsAllNorth Central (D-II)Independent
Samford Bulldogs[19] All sports except footballA-SunOVC
Samford BulldogsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentOVC
St. John's Red Storm[20] FootballDivision I-AA IndependentDropped football
South Florida BullsFootballDivision I-A IndependentConference USA
Southeastern Louisiana LionsFootballNo teamDivision I-AA Independent
UMBC RetrieversAll sports (non-football)NECAmerica East
Utah State AggiesFootballDivision I-A IndependentSun Belt
Utah State AggiesWomen's basketball[21] No teamBig West
Utah Valley Wolverines[22] All sports (non-football)NJCAAIndependent
VMI Keydets[23] All sportsSoConBig South

2002–2003

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Central Florida Golden KnightsFootballDivision I-A IndependentMAC
Findlay OilersWomen's ice hockeyGreat Lakes Women's Hockey AssociationCHA
FIU Golden PanthersFootballStarted footballDivision I-AA Independent
Howard Bison[24] BaseballMEACDropped baseball
Mercyhurst LakersWomen's ice hockeyGreat Lakes Women's Hockey AssociationCHA
Niagara Purple EaglesWomen's ice hockeyECACCHA
Sacramento State Hornets[25] BaseballBig WestIndependent
St. John's Red StormFootballNortheastDivision I-AA Independent
Wayne State WarriorsWomen's ice hockeyGreat Lakes Women's Hockey AssociationCHA

2001–2002

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
American EaglesAll (non-football)CAAPatriot League
Arkansas State IndiansFootballBig WestSun Belt
Austin Peay GovernorsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentPioneer
Boise State BroncosAllBig WestWAC
Delaware Fightin' Blue HensAll except footballAmerica EastCAA
Davidson WildcatsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentPioneer
Drexel DragonsAll (non-football)America EastCAA
Georgetown HoyasFootballDivision I-AA IndependentPatriot League
Hofstra Flying DutchmenAll except footballAmerica EastCAA
Idaho VandalsFootballBig WestSun Belt
Iowa State CyclonesBaseballBig 12Dropped baseball
Jacksonville DolphinsFootballDivision I-AA IndependentPioneer
Louisiana–Monroe IndiansFootballDivision I-A IndependentSun Belt
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and Lady TechstersAllSun BeltWAC
Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersAllDivision I-A IndependentSun Belt
Morehead State EaglesFootballDivision I-AA IndependentPioneer
New Mexico State AggiesAllBig WestSun Belt
North Texas Mean GreenAllBig WestSun Belt
Richmond SpidersAll except footballCAAAtlantic 10
TCU Horned FrogsAllWACConference USA
Towson TigersAll except footballAmerica EastCAA
Utah State AggiesFootballBig WestDivision I-A Independent
Western Kentucky HilltoppersFootballOhio ValleyGateway
Youngstown State PenguinsAll except footballMid-ContinentHorizon

2000–2001

SchoolSport(s)Former ConferenceNew Conference
Army CadetsMen's ice hockeyCHAMAAC
Connecticut HuskiesFootballAtlantic 10Division I-A Independent
FIU Golden PanthersMen's soccerTAACAtlantic Soccer Conference
Georgetown HoyasFootballMAACDivision I-AA Independent
Nevada Wolf PackAllBig WestWAC
St. John's Red StormFootballDivision I-AA IndependentNortheast
Virginia Tech HokiesAll except football & wrestlingAtlantic 10Big East

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Year-By-Year Results. 2016 Cincinnati Lacrosse Media Guide. May 5, 2016. Cincinnati Bearcats. 49. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314150001/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/cinn/sports/w-lacros/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/16LaxMediaGuide.pdf. March 14, 2016. dead.
  2. Web site: January 26, 2009. Fresh Start. June 27, 2012. HiloAthletics.com. Hawaii-Hilo Sports Information.
  3. Book: Year-By-Year Results. 2016 Louisville Lacrosse Media Guide. May 5, 2016. Louisville Cardinals. 62.
  4. Morehead State to Restructure Athletic Programs. Morehead State Eagles. May 3, 2016. February 1, 2018.
  5. Web site: January 18, 2011. Florida Gulf Coast University Football Feasibility Study. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120620062505/http://www.fgcu.edu/president/files/FGCU-FootballFeasibilityStudy-M011511.pdf. June 20, 2012. June 24, 2012. FGCU.edu. Carr Sports Associates, Inc.. I-1. Responding to scheduling and conference membership limitations in NCAA Division II (Division II), FGCU strategically applied for membership in NCAA Division I in January, 2006, and was soon accepted into the ASUN Conference, effective 2007–2008.. mdy-all.
  6. Web site: August 11, 2011. NCCU Gains Full NCAA Division I Membership. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140316170349/http://www.nccu.edu/news/index.cfm?id=49D4724D-F3C6-A937-7B09C561D382580F. March 16, 2014. June 24, 2012. NCCU.edu. The Eagles captured eight conference team titles in their final two seasons as a Division II member in the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) before competing as an independent without conference affiliation starting in the fall of 2007.. mdy-all.
  7. Web site: Peloquin. Matt. March 31, 2006. Presbyterian College Upgrades to Division I. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20101224221345/http://collegesportsinfo.com/2006/03/31/presbyterian-college-upgrades-to-division-i/. December 24, 2010. June 24, 2012. CollegeSportsInfo.com. mdy-all.
  8. Web site: August 12, 2011. NCAA Grants USC Upstate Full Division I Certification. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20111207135225/http://news.uscupstate.edu/2011/08/ncaa-grants-usc-upstate-full-division-i-certification/. December 7, 2011. June 24, 2012. News.USCUpstate.com. During the department's first year of Division I play in 2007–08, ... the baseball team posted a 17–16 record in conference play.. mdy-all.
  9. Web site: October 23, 2017. Historical Sports. February 13, 2021. Missouri State University Athletics.
  10. Web site: Gonzalez. Jon. December 26, 2001. 2001–02 Big South Conference Preview. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20151101161200/http://www.hoopville.com/2001/12/26/big-south-preview-5/. November 1, 2015. December 31, 2012. Hoopville.com. mdy-all.
  11. Web site: Centenary College Accepts Invitation to Join Mid-Continent Conference. dead. https://archive.today/20130131044804/http://www.ougrizzlies.com/genrel/101702aaa.html. January 31, 2013. December 31, 2012. OUGrizzlies.com. Oakland Sports Information. mdy-all.
  12. Web site: Bower. Moisekapenda. May 19, 2006. College Baseball Notebook: Dallas Baptist Seeks Home. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160819180341/http://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/College-Baseball-Notebook-Dallas-Baptist-seeks-1893928.php. August 19, 2016. December 31, 2012. Houston Chronicle. mdy-all.
  13. Web site: Tatum. Kevin. May 23, 2003. Drexel Leaves Players Adrift. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121012001948/http://articles.philly.com/2003-05-23/sports/25459966_1_drexel-athletic-director-eric-zillmer-sports-program. October 12, 2012. December 31, 2012. Philly.com. The Philadelphia Inquirer. mdy-all.
  14. Web site: May 30, 2002. Elon Joins Southern Conference. December 31, 2012. Chattanoogan.com.
  15. Web site: Muskewitz. Al. August 24, 2003. No Longer a House Divided. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20181112021641/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ANSB&p_theme=ansb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10CE58BC36C35D08&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D. November 12, 2018. December 31, 2012. The Anniston Star. mdy-all.
  16. Web site: Muskewitz. Al. September 17, 2001. JSU, McNeese Makeup Uncertain. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20181112101308/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ANSB&p_theme=ansb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10CE669F5D62A4E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D. November 12, 2018. December 31, 2012. The Anniston Star. mdy-all.
  17. News: Holloway. Brian. Revolving Door for Atlantic Sun. Fayetteville Observer. dead. December 31, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20181112021601/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=FV&p_theme=fv&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F54EE5125234D81&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D. November 12, 2018. mdy-all.
  18. Web site: Wahl. Grant. January 22, 2003. Morris Brown's Woes Worsen. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20030124115908/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/grant_wahl/news/2003/01/22/mailbag/. January 24, 2003. December 31, 2012. Sports Illustrated. mdy-all.
  19. Web site: Nunnelly. William. May 15, 2001. Samford Athletics Joins Ohio Valley Conference. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120514051921/http://samford.edu/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=21474842440. May 14, 2012. December 31, 2012. Samford.edu. mdy-all.
  20. Web site: NEC Football – 2009 Season In Review. September 18, 2011. Northeastern Conference. https://web.archive.org/web/20120330005347/http://www.northeastconference.org/Pdfs/fball/2010/9/4/fbguide10_history_p70_91.pdf. March 30, 2012. live.
  21. Book: Year-By Year Results. 2012–13 Utah State Aggies Women's Basketball Media Guide. January 19, 2013. Utah State Sports Information. 93. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091242/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ust/sports/w-baskbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/wbbmg.pdf. March 4, 2016. dead. Utah State first sponsored women's basketball in 1972, dropped the sport in 1987, and reinstated it in 2003.
  22. Web site: November 17, 2004. Gonzaga Women's Basketball Notes. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085224/http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/stories/111704abw.html. March 4, 2016. December 31, 2012. CSTV.com. Gonzaga Sports Information. mdy-all.
  23. Web site: November 18, 2012. VMI Revisited: News and Notes. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230548/http://www.liberty.edu/flames/index.cfm?PID=10869&NewsID=9871. March 3, 2016. December 31, 2012. Liberty.edu. mdy-all.
  24. News: May 23, 2002. Howard Drops Wrestling and Baseball. C5. Bangor Daily News. Bangor, Maine, US. March 24, 2013. mdy-all.
  25. Web site: John Smith. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20071018162610/http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/baseball/coach/bio.asp?COACH_ID=35. October 18, 2007. March 24, 2013. HornetSports.com. Sacramento State Sports Information. The WAC is not new to the Hornets, who played in the conference from 1993–96. The team was also an affiliate member of the Big West from 1997–2002.. mdy-all.