Annie Tarakchian became head coach of the Caltech women's basketball program in August 2022 following a strong national applicant search. In just her first season at the Institute, she led the team to its third-highest win total in program history.
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.
Â
