Dan Muscatell becomes the sixth Sacramento State women’s basketball head coach in the program’s 38-year history, after spending the past four seasons as an
assistant at Oregon (1999-03).
While at Oregon, Muscatell was involved in all aspects of the program, including the coordination of recruiting efforts and the coaching of offense and defense.
He also worked with both the perimeter and post players.
The Everett, Wash., native was responsible for bringing in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes in 2001, a six-member class that was ranked No. 17 in the nation
by All-Star Girls Report. Muscatell also coached or recruited current WNBA players Edneisha Curry (Phoenix Mercury), Jenny Mowe (L.A. Sparks), Angelina Wolvert (Cleveland Rockers) and Shaquala Williams (L.A. Sparks).
During his four years at Oregon, the Ducks were ranked in the top 25 during three of those years, in-cluding two top-10 finishes in 2000 and 2001. The program also combined to post a record of 74-49 while capturing two NCAA Tournament berths (2000 and 2001), a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) cham-pionship
(2002) and a Pac-10 title (2000).
Prior to his stint at Oregon, Muscatell spent 13 years as a boys basketball coach and teacher in the state of Washington.
He served as the head coach while also teaching physical education, math and health at Rochester High School (1994-99). During his tenure, he led the Warriors
to the postseason every season. For his efforts, he was named Evergreen League Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1998, and SW Washington Coach of the Year in 1999.
In 1999, Muscatell’s squad led the state in scoring defense (45.5 points-per game) while also earning a program-best fourth-place finish in the state. RHS also
placed second in the state in scoring defense in 1997 and 1998. In the classroom, his team was awarded the 1998 State Academic Championship after earning the highest gpa of all schools in classification.
Before taking over at Rochester, Muscatell spent eight years (1982-90) as the head boys basketball coach at Meridian High School in Bellingham, Wash. At the age
of 22, he led the program to the postseason in all but one season. The Trojans had only won three games in two years before his arrival.
In his third season, he directed the squad to a school-record second-place finish in the district and consecutive victories over the top ranked schools in the state (Lynden, King’s). For his efforts, he was named both Whatcom County and NW Washington coach of the year in 1985.
Muscatell served as the assistant principal (1986-1990) and taught physical education, math, psychology and leadership during his tenure (1985-1990). Also a hard worker in the offseason, Muscatell has been the Master Teacher for Western summer basketball camps since 1985. Among his rotation of schools are Oregon, Colorado State, Gonzaga, Eastern Washington and Western Washington. He also spent time as Master Teacher at Hozen High School in Tokyo, Japan, in 1998.
During his playing career, Muscatell was a two-year starter and team captain for Western Washington (1980-82) and a two-time winner of the Most Inspirational
Award. He also played two years (1978-80) at Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash., where he was a two-year starter and team captain. Muscatell earned both a bachelor’s degree in physical education/psychology (1983) and a master’s degree in administration (1990) from Western Washington. Along with coaching, Muscatell spent 17 years as a baseball umpire (high school, college, semi-pro), 14
years as a collegiate football official (NAIA, Div. II & III), and four years as a basketball official (Div. II & JC).
He and his wife, Terri, have three children: Keely (18), Jessica (15) and Drew (13).
Name: Dan Muscatell
Age: 43 (5-24-60)
Place of Birth: Pasco, Wash.
Marital Status: Married (Terri)
Children:Keely (18), Jessica (15),Drew (12)
High School: Cascade H.S. Everett, Wash. (1983)
Bachelor’s Degree: Western Washington (1983) PE/Psychology
Master’s Degree: Western Washington (1990)Administration
Shaquala Williams on having Dan as her coach:
"Coach Dan Muscatell has been one of the best things to happen to our team this season. When they first hired him, I can’t say I was all that happy; it was because I did not know him. But I would not trade him for anybody in the world. He is really the glue that helps keep us together, not physically, but mentally. In Arizona he saw that as a team we were searching for a reason to want to go out a play. He said if we really needed one, then to do it for him. At first I was like, "Get over yourself." But once I thought about it, I really took what he said to heart. He is in such a tough position as a coach because he has to play both sides, but if anyone has been there from day one, it is him. He is always so optimistic and encouraging, no matter what someone else is saying or doing. He's been a huge reason for my success this year, I respect him so much and would do anything that he asked of me. We argue sometimes, but in the end he's usually right. He is an awesome coach, but even more, an awesome person. His kids are so lucky to have him for a dad, and I hope they appreciate him as much as I do." - from ESPN.Com Diary 3/7/00.
**Information from the Sacramento State Media Guide.