There are many Christmas blessings to note at USC athletics in 2023. We spend so much time covering football and basketball around here (a necessary reflection of the visibility of revenue sports) that we need to recognize one person in particular who has transformed another Trojan program.
Andy Stankiewicz came to USC with a big task: Get USC baseball back to being a nationally relevant program. USC does have 12 national championships, five more than second-place LSU (which won the 2023 College World Series over Florida). This is the ultimate blue-blood college baseball program, but it has fallen on very hard times in the 21st century. USC cried out for a new leader who could bring the magic back to Dedeaux Field.
In Year 1 on the job, Andy Stankiewicz couldn’t have done better under the circumstances. He led USC to the brink of the NCAA Tournament. In the eyes of most experts, USC should have gotten in but was snubbed by the selection committee. At any rate, USC is likely to be better this upcoming season and should be able to make the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Stankiewicz has established a foundation at USC based on pitching and defense. He is building the program the right way and will have a motivated team ready to take the next step in 2024.
Christmas gifts at USC certainly include Andy Stankiewicz, who is doing his best to return a once-elite program to future glories.
Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire.