Former Lynwood Coach to Lead Lady Toro Cagers

Van Girard, who guided the girls basketball program at Lynwood High School to 10 consecutive Southern Section playoffs, has been named the women’s basketball coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Girard, 34, replaces Alice Textor, who resigned last spring. He takes over a team that has seven returning players but struggled to a a 10-17 overall record, 3-9 in the California Collegiate Athletic Assn.

Girard said he plans to build a winning program “within two years” by recruiting local players from community colleges and high schools.

“I see no reason why we can’t compete with Cal Poly Pomona,” Girard said in reference to the perennial CCAA champs and Division II powerhouse.

“I’m extremely pleased with Van,” Toro Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said. “He definitely has enthusiasm and wants to come to Dominguez Hills.”

Under Girard, Lynwood won seven San Gabriel Valley League titles, one Southern Section crown and two state CIF Southern Region titles. Twice he was named The Times’ South Coast area Coach of the Year.