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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:16 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2009

CBKB: Southern California women's basketball coach quits

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Mark Trakh resigned today as Southern California women's basketball coach after five seasons, including two NCAA tournament appearances.

Trakh said he decided it was the right time to leave and the best thing for both him and the university.

He had a 90-64 record, with his first two seasons being his most successful. Those teams won 20 games in 2005 and 19 in 2006, with both reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Trakh's last three teams were hampered by injuries and won 17 games each season. This year's team was 17-15 and lost to Stanford in its first Pac-10 tournament title game appearance.

"I loved my time at USC and I'll always be a fan and supporter of the program," Trakh said in a statement. "I am forever indebted to (athletic director) Mike Garrett for giving me the opportunity to coach at USC. I wish our players the best of luck in the future. The team will be loaded next year and I won't be surprised to see them in the Final Four."

USC's highest finish in the Pac-10 standings under Trakh was second in 2005; his other teams were no higher than fourth. He had an 8-3 record against crosstown rival UCLA.

"He gave everything he had to our program," Garrett said in a statement. "He had some memorable moments and big victories, he recruited well and produced some talented players. He goes out a winner in our eyes."

Trakh's other coaching stints were at Pepperdine for 11 seasons and Brea (Calif.) Olinda High School for 13 seasons.

Garrett said a search for Trakh's replacement will begin immediately.