UC Irvine women’s basketball head coach Tamara Inoue has announced the hiring of Derek Wynn as an assistant coach.
“I am thrilled to have Derek on board,” said Inoue. “Although Derek and I have not worked together directly, we both have worked under Mark Trakh which allowed us to develop and keep a strong relationship throughout the years. His wealth of knowledge on the court and connections that he continues to build will only help us get to the next level.”
Wynn brings over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to the Anteater staff. He most recently served as associate head coach at the University of Washington for four seasons. Taking over a program that was beginning a rebuilding phase, Wynn helped the Huskies steadily improve, going from seven victories his first year to back-to-back double-digit win campaigns. He was also instrumental in bringing in the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history (No. 16) in 2020.
In 2018-19, Wynn played a key role in UW’s impressive run through the Pac-12 Tournament. Entering as the No. 11 seed, Washington knocked off No. 6 Utah in the first round before defeating third-seeded and 11th-ranked Oregon State to reach the semifinals for just the third time in program history. The Huskies also had a couple big victories in 2019-20, taking down Big Ten power Iowa and No. 8 UCLA. In 2017-18, Washington led the Pac-12 in turnovers forced (17.8/gm), while also ranking third in steals (9.3 spg) and second in 3-pointers made (8.5/gm).
Prior to his stint at UW, Wynn spent eight years as an assistant and associate head coach at Big West rival Long Beach State (2009-17). Over his last three seasons, Wynn guided the Beach to a 69-30 record with three-straight 20-win campaigns. That stretch culminated in 2016-17 with LBSU’s first Big West tournament title since 1991 and first NCAA berth since 1992. It was Long Beach State’s fourth postseason appearance in five seasons as the Beach also earned three WNIT bids.
Wynn previously served as an assistant at USC (2004-09) and Pepperdine (2000-04). He was part of the staff that led the Trojans to the second round of the 2004 and 2005 NCAA Tournaments, and brought in the top-ranked 2006 recruiting class in the nation according to USA Today. During his time in Malibu, the Waves made five postseason appearances and won three West Coast Conference titles.
Before entering the college ranks, Wynn spent six seasons as the assistant boys’ basketball coach at Upland High School where he helped the Highlanders earn five consecutive CIF-Southern Section playoff berths. The 1996 and 1997 teams captured the Baseline League championship, while the 1999 squad finished with a school-best 25-4 record.
Wynn has coached numerous student-athletes who have gone on to the professional ranks including three WNBA and two NBA players.
Wynn earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton in 1996 and received his master’s and teaching credential from Azusa Pacific in 1999. He is married to Jody Wynn and the couple has two daughters, Jada (18) and Kaeli (14).
https://ucirvinesports.com/news/2022/8/3/derek-wynn-joins-uci-womens-basketball-staff.aspx
