Trakh retires as Trojans’ head coach

USC women’s basketball head coach Mark Trakh has retired, the program announced Wednesday.

Trakh spent nine seasons as the head coach at USC split into two stints, most recently coaching the Trojans from 2017-21. He finishes his career with 155 wins at USC, secondmost in program history behind Linda Sharp.

“This is a perfect time for a transition in the Trojan basketball program,” Trakh, 65, said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of my accomplishments on and off the court knowing that the program is in a great place.”

Trakh led the Trojans to a 65-50 the past four seasons. In his previous stint as head coach at USC from 2004-09, Trakh helped the Trojans to two NCAA Tournament appearances while finishing no lower than fifth in the Pac-12 standings.

This past season, USC went 11-12, finishing eighth in the conference while having four games canceled due to COVID-19.

Trakh also spent 11 seasons as head coach at Pepperdine and six at New Mexico. In 26 seasons as a college coach, he posted a career 458-317 record (.591).

Before coaching collegiately, Trakh won four state titles at Brea Olinda High from 1980 to 1993.

USC athletic director Mike Bohn said in a statement that the university will conduct a national search for Trakh’s successor.

“I want to thank Mark for his steadying leadership during a difficult time,” Bohn stated. “The future of our women’s basketball program is very promising, and we are committed to providing the necessary resources to restore the illustrious tradition of excellence of the Women of Troy.”