The Caltech women’s basketball program has selected Annie Tarakchian to be the new head coach, chosen from a strong national applicant pool.
“Annie brings such excellent and diverse tools that will benefit our student athletes and continue our program’s positive momentum,” Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation Betsy Mitchell announced Thursday. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that she will join our team as our next leader. Her experiences, perspectives and skills will drive us forward!”
Blazing parallel trails in basketball and psychology, Tarakchian received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Princeton University, where she won two Ivy League championships and completed a 30-0 undefeated season in 2014-15. As team captain for the 2015-16 season, she led her Tigers to their third NCAA Tournament in four years, and later that year was invited to the New York Liberty training camp. Throughout her playing years at Princeton, she actively participated in the Student Athlete Community Council as a wellness leader, advocating for the physical and mental well-being of her fellow competitors.
Following her undergraduate studies, Tarakchian played professional basketball in Europe, where she averaged a double-double in points and rebounds and won league championships in Belgium and in Switzerland. Most recently, she earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from California Lutheran University, where she served as an assistant coach for their women’s basketball program. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability and empathy as central components to fostering growth and helping her student-athletes reach their potential both on and off the court.
“To be entrusted to coach at Caltech is both an honor and a privilege,” Tarakchian said. “I thank Betsy Mitchell and the Athletics staff for their support and welcome as I join their team. I look forward to getting to know the current players closely and working hard together to elevate this program. Winning games is always a goal, but beyond that I hope to ensure that the players are supported to excel universally. Caltech is an extraordinary place, and I’m so humbled and inspired to start this next chapter as a head coach.”
https://www.gocaltech.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/releases/202208180g9ecx
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