USC Baseball’s Resurgence Under Andy Stankiewicz
After a long wait, the University of Southern California (USC) baseball team is experiencing a revival, marked by an enthusiastic congratulatory message from Justin Dedeaux, son of the renowned coach Rod Dedeaux. He simply texted, “Just like the good old days.”
Those days were indeed remarkable. Under Rod Dedeaux’s leadership, USC baseball became a powerhouse, capturing 11 College World Series titles. The momentum continued with Mike Gillespie, who reached the pinnacle of college baseball four times and secured a championship in 1998.
However, since Gillespie’s departure in 2006, USC’s storied program, which has produced legends such as Mark McGwire and Randy Johnson, has struggled to maintain visibility. Many seasons have been forgettable, often finishing below the .500 mark.
But now, coach Stankiewicz, with his humble demeanor, seems to be turning things around. The team is preparing to face the University of North Carolina in an NCAA Tournament super regional. They need just two victories in a best-of-three series to reach the College World Series for the first time in over 20 years.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see us back in this position,” said Adam Dedeaux, Rod’s grandson. “It’s all about learning to win and executing the details.”
There’s an interesting parallel between the Trojans’ past glory and their current direction under Stankiewicz, who has guided the team to its first Super Regional in 18 years, all in just his fourth season.
Much like Rod passed the torch to Gillespie, Gillespie passed it to Stankiewicz. The latter grew up in Inglewood, where he played alongside stars like McGwire and Johnson, and spent two summers learning from Gillespie in Alaska.
Stankiewicz’s playing philosophy emphasizes pitching and defense, a strategy influenced by Gillespie’s tactical approach. “It was like chess for him,” Stankiewicz recalled, reflecting on how to outsmart opponents. His own journey included a stint in the Yankees organization and years of coaching.
After managing in the minors, Stankiewicz chose to return to college baseball, accepting a position as an assistant at Arizona State University before making a mark as a head coach at Grand Canyon University.
Meanwhile, USC faced challenges, including promising recruits opting for professional contracts and other players choosing less expensive schools. Some coaching styles leaned more towards personal advancement than team success.
Adam Dedeaux, who rejoined the USC coaching staff in 2013 after playing under Gillespie, noted that the team needed discipline and accountability—something they seem to have found with Stankiewicz.
His leadership has fostered a resilient attitude. After a tough start in the College Station Regional, the Trojans bounced back by winning four straight elimination games.
When Stankiewicz started at USC, he didn’t promise instant success. He was realistic about the rebuilding process. “In my first meeting, I made it clear that we weren’t going to Omaha next year,” he said.
This season, the Trojans achieved a remarkable 34-22-1 record— their first winning season since 2015—despite facing the unexpected challenge of relocating home games due to renovations at Dedeaux Field.
Stankiewicz has assembled a roster of talented players, many of whom weren’t top prospects but have shown potential. Grant Goebel, one of the team’s standout pitchers, was returning from surgery, while Andrew Johnson, who impressed with his fastball against Texas A&M, had to develop significantly since coming aboard.
“You have to prioritize players who are committed to the right approach,” Stankiewicz observed.
If everything falls into place, the reward for the Trojans could be a trip to Omaha—something that hasn’t happened in 25 years. “I hope Coach Gillespie would be proud of us,” Stankiewicz said, referencing the late coach’s influence. “I believe he’d see we’re doing our part in continuing the legacy.”
