In the wake of one of the best seasons in program history, Arizona saw one of its assistant coaches leave for a job at a former rival school. And one of that coach’s best athletes has followed.
Big 12 Conference women’s long jump champion Sydnie Vanek has signed with USC for the 2026-27 season, reuniting with her jumps coach Dino Dodig. Dodig was hired by the Trojans in June.
Vanek, who also played volleyball at the UA, won the Big 12 title in May at Drachman Stadium with a jump of 21 feet, 4 inches. That helped the Wildcat women place 3rd in the conference meet, their best finish since 2013, while the Arizona men were runner-up.
A NCAA Championships qualifier last month, Vanek has two years of eligibility remaining. USC’s women’s squad finished fifth at nationals.
Arizona recently announced the signing of several transfer track athletes also with some staff changes.
