A Record‑Breaking Career
Ned Mircetic, who spent 35 years at the helm of Ventura College’s women’s basketball program, announced his retirement on November 12, 2023, closing a chapter that produced a state‑record 942 victories.
His teams captured seven state championships and dominated the Western State Conference, winning 29 North Division titles and maintaining a 91% conference win rate over multiple seasons.
Beyond the Scoreboard
Mircetic’s philosophy centered on effort, leadership and academic achievement, a combination that yielded 19 WBCA National Academic Honor Roll recognitions and helped 174 players move on to four‑year institutions.
The program’s excellence was reflected in 44 All‑State selections, nine co‑player‑of‑the‑year honors and 12 All‑American accolades, underscoring the coach’s ability to develop talent both on and off the court.
Community Impact
Beyond campus, Mircetic founded the We Play Hard Basketball Camps and organized the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Game, events that brought together the Ventura community and raised awareness for important causes.
His influence extended to partnerships with local schools and organizations, including collaborations with the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2007 after he became the fastest coach to reach 500 wins.
Even as he stepped away, the legacy of his mentorship continues to shape the next generation of student‑athletes, reinforcing the idea that success is measured by character as much as by championships.