Gobrecht Bolts Fsu For Usc Former UW Women’s Coach Takes Job With Alma Mater

Despite her vow in 1996 to turn Florida State’s women’s basketball program into a top flight Atlantic Coast Conference competitor, Chris Gobrecht left the Seminoles after one season Wednesday to return to her alma mater.

Gobrecht, the former University of Washington women’s coach, will step into Southern California’s steep tradition today when she will be named the Trojans’ newest coach.

Gobrecht will earn an annual base salary of more than $100,000 at USC and has been promised a new playing facility in the near future.

Florida State Athletic Director Dave Hart announced Gobrecht’s resignation at a monthly FSU Athletic Board meeting Wednesday, although he had no comment about the specific cleanup of the remaining four years of her contract.

A 1977 graduate of USC, Gobrecht signed a five-year deal worth $150,000 a year with FSU when she left Washington last year. A buyout clause of $95,000 a year - Gobrecht’s base salary - must be satisfied by the coach because she accepted a job before the end of the contract.

“Chris is aware of it, and Southern California is aware of it,” Hart said.

“That was brought up in conversation” when USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett called Hart for permission to speak with the coach.

Gobrecht was en route to California and could not be reached for comment about the $380,000 buyout.

Southern Cal, which won back-toback NCAA women’s championships in 1983 and ‘84 under Linda Sharp, is seeking stability.

Gobrecht, 332-203 in 18 seasons at Cal State Fullerton, Washington and FSU, is the Trojans’ third coach in five seasons.

Cheryl Miller replaced Marianne Stanley for two seasons, and Miller’s successor, Fred Williams, recently resigned after two years.

Gobrecht leaves the Seminoles after a 5-22 season that included 18 consecutive losses to end the season and an 0-17 mark against ACC opponents.