Boychuk Aims to Recapture 49er Glory : Women’s basketball: Former Purdue assistant says she coveted the Long Beach State job because of the program’s potential.

Dallas Boychuk doesn’t settle for mediocrity, information she shares immediately and often. Not ad nauseam, but enough to crush any doubts about her commitment and expectations.

The new Long Beach State women’s basketball coach, introduced Friday at a news conference at the Pyramid, gives the impression she doesn’t accept less than the best from herself and those around her. She wasn’t about to change her mind-set while making the biggest decision of her professional life. Boychuk now has the job she coveted and plans on returning the 49ers where they used to be: on top.

“A lot of assistant coaches apply for every position that’s open, but this is the only job I really thought I had the potential to win a national championship,” Boychuk said.

“I want to be part of a program that wants to get all the way to the top, that has the resources to do it and the administration to back it up. When I came to Long Beach, I realize all those things are here.”

It wasn’t as if Boychuk didn’t have other options.

She was recognized as one of the nation’s top assistants while working the last three years at national-power Purdue. The Boilermakers’ recruiting coordinator, Boychuk has signed many of the country’s best prep players. Purdue advanced to the West Regional final this season and the Women’s Final Four last season.

Athletic directors notice such things, and Boychuk said she has been contacted often by would-be employers during the last two years. Again, though, she is not into settling for second best.

“After the Final Four last year, I had quite a few calls from programs,” Boychuk said. “I picked this year (to become a head coach), but I wanted the right situation.

“In my next job, I wanted to be somewhere where I knew that I could be successful.”

Long Beach was once among the nation’s elite. Athletic Director Dave O’Brien not only believes Boychuk will rekindle memories of those glory days, he thinks she will improve on them.

“We’re pleased as can be,” O’Brien said. “We wanted a person who by virtue of their personality, and/or their accomplishments, would be able call attention upon themselves and the Long Beach State women’s basketball program.

“We found the individual who can do both of those things.”

Long Beach also found someone young. Boychuk is 30, which doesn’t make her one of the profession’s senior members. Here’s a little perspective: Long Beach has had a women’s basketball team for 33 years.

But Boychuk won’t be stopped by her youth and the program’s history, she said.

“It’s a little bit intimidating,” Boychuk admitted. “But coming from my background, I can handle it.”

This confidence and resolve is what initially interested Long Beach officials. She reinforced their beliefs by gracefully handling herself with boosters, media and students Friday.

“She brings that dynamic flair,” said Bill Shumard, assistant athletic director administration/development.

“She brings that ability to communicate, that presence and that confidence we need.”

Attributes the Boilermakers would rather not lose.

“There is no question we are going to miss her, not only in terms of recruiting but with how she relates to our student-athletes,” Purdue Coach Lin Dunn said. “We wish her nothing but the best, and I know she will do a great job and become a successful head coach.”