Long Beach State announced on Wednesday that women’s basketball coach Mary Hegarty’s contract will not be renewed.  According to athletics director Vic Cegles, “We appreciate the integrity and dedication that Mary has brought to the university, but it is time to make a change and recruit new leadership to the program.  We wish Mary all the best in her future endeavors.”

Hired six years ago after 10 seasons at Chapman University, Hegarty ranked second on the most career wins list in the Big West.  While continuing the off-court character (last year the team had 14 Academic All-Stars (3.0 or better), 7 members of the Dean’s List (3.5 or better) and 6 President’s List Members (3.75 or better)) in 2005-06, she led the Beach to 18 wins and the first Big West Championship since 1990-91.

That season, the 49ers led the Big West in seven statistical categories and tied a school-record with five all-conference selections, including Conference Player of the Year Crystal McCutcheon. 

That season, I was learning to be a beat writer.  I had written freelance before, but those evenings in the ‘Myd (while the men’s team was trying to find their footing) helped me learn how to be a sports journalist.  Coach Hegarty, specifically, helped me learn how to not only cover a game, but cover a team.

I learned to ask good questions because she gave good answers.  She didn’t talk at me, she talked to me, and even though there weren’t many journalists waiting around post-game, she always stayed as long as I needed.  That was her way, and it created that friendly feel all around the program from coaches to players.

However, the semi-final loss that season in the Big West Tournament pretty much summed up her career here.  Reaching a point, but then falling very short of the next step.  Even after a great recruiting class three years ago, injuries and extenuating circumstances forced the program back into mediocrity.

Hegarty and Long Beach are now parting ways, and both dealt with the situation the best way they could.  It’s time for the program to go in a new direction, but it will be forever improved because of Hegarty’s time at the Beach.