Gobrecht Returns to USC as Coach

Former Trojan player Chris Gobrecht came home Thursday when she was announced as USC’s new women’s basketball coach.

Gobrecht, 42, played at USC from 1974 to 1976 and was Washington’s coach for 11 seasons before leaving for Florida State a year ago. The Seminoles were 5-22 last year under Gobrecht, who reached 300 Division I victories (332-203 in 18 seasons) faster than any coach except Pat Summitt of Tennessee.

After signing a five-year contract with USC, Gobrecht vowed to bring the program back to national prominence: “I want people to think of USC when they think of women’s basketball.”

Gobrecht succeeds Fred Williams, who left last month after two seasons.

Florida State Athletic Director Dave Hart contends that by breaking her contract with four years remaining, Gobrecht owes the school $380,000, but she has been advised by USC that all she had to do to break the deal was give 60 days’ notice.