Brea’s Hattrup Says Pressure Won’t Be Problem

BREA — John Hattrup, the new girls’ basketball coach at Brea-Olinda High, says he doesn’t mind the spotlight that accompanies the position with the high-profile program.

Hattrup will take over for Mark Trakh, who led the Ladycats to four State championships and five Southern Section titles in the last five seasons. Trakh, who had a 356-42 record in 13 seasons at Brea-Olinda, will coach women’s basketball at Pepperdine this season.

But Hattrup, who was named Brea-Olinda coach Monday after six seasons as Trakh’s assistant, says he is used to the high expectations.

“Really, I don’t feel any pressure,” Hattrup said Tuesday. “I think the pressure is on everyone else. If we play hard and up to our capabilities, everything will take care of itself.

“I don’t care if you brought Pat Riley in here, what Mark did at Brea won’t ever be repeated. I’m not here to replace Mark. I just want to continue what he’s started.”

Before coming to Brea as an assistant, Hattrup coached girls’ basketball at Mission Viejo for 10 seasons, leading the Diablos to two Southern Section championships, seven South Coast League titles and a 215-55 record.

“I look at this as a win-win situation,” Hattrup said. “I’m with the best program in the state with the greatest support group, and I have the opportunity to work with what could be one of the greatest high school teams ever . . . and I get a front-row senate seat to watch them and get paid for it.”