In unprecedented move, USC to rehire NMSU’s Trakh

Finally.

After 49 days, the search for USC’s replacement coach has come to an end. One can call it a blast from the past, so to speak.

According to multiple Swish Appeal sources, New Mexico State’s Mark Trakh will be named the next leader for the Women of Troy. Trakh actually coached at USC from 2004-2009. The position has been open since early March when Cynthia Cooper-Dyke resigned.

Since 2011, Trakh has led the Aggies to amazing success. been at New Mexico State where the last three seasons his team has finished with at least 20 wins on the year, won the WAC tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

This past season the Aggies almost upset Stanford in the first round, however, a cold streak on the offensive end eventually let the Cardinal take the lead and survive being upset by New Mexico State.

To say that this search has been a fiasco is probably an understatement. It was turned down twice, as both Stanford associate head coach Kate Paye and FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said, “No,” to the offer of leading the Trojans. Couple that with the fact new Washington coach — and USC alum — Jody Wynn wanted the job, but didn’t feel truly valued in the process, and chose to go where she felt truly appreciated.

But, all in all, Trakh is a wonderful head coach, who has had success there previously. In his stint there, he finished with an overall record of 90-64. Trakh also signed four recruiting classes ranked in the Top-12 nationally, and the top class in the nation in 2006, according to USA Today.

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