Stanford women’s basketball head coach Tara VanDerveer, the winningest coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement after 38 seasons with the team. VanDerveer made history in January when she recorded her 1,203rd victory, surpassing the record set by former coach Mike Krzyzewski. With a record of 1,216 wins after coaching at Idaho, Ohio State, and Stanford, VanDerveer led Stanford to three NCAA championships and 14 Final Four appearances. She was also a 17-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year and five-time National Coach of the Year.
VanDerveer expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her coaching career, stating that basketball has been the greatest group project for her. She mentioned the joy of coaching young women and seeing them come together to form a strong bond, with winning being a byproduct of their hard work. She mentioned her love for basketball since childhood and hopes that she has been able to give back to the sport at least a little. The university is currently in negotiations with Kate Paye, who played under VanDerveer in the 90s and has been part of her coaching staff for nearly 20 years, to succeed her as head coach.
Stanford athletic director Bernard Muir praised VanDerveer’s pioneering work and impact on women’s basketball, describing her as synonymous with the sport. He noted that women’s basketball would not be what it is today without her contributions. VanDerveer will remain at Stanford in an advisory capacity within the athletics department. Following her retirement announcement, she received accolades from various sports figures, including tennis legend Billie Jean King and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who expressed admiration and respect for her career and contributions to the sport.
UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma also commended VanDerveer on her accomplished career, stating that she has had a significant impact on the basketball community with her wins, championships, and Hall of Fame induction. He acknowledged her as one of the best coaches in the sport and expressed excitement for her next phase in life. Many others in the sports community shared their appreciation for VanDerveer’s contributions to basketball and the lasting impact she has had on the game. The NCAA women’s basketball championship game recently drew more viewers than the men’s for the first time in history, indicating the growing popularity and success of women’s basketball.
Despite her retirement, VanDerveer’s legacy in women’s basketball remains strong, with her accomplishments, influence, and dedication to the sport recognized by many. She has left a lasting imprint on Stanford University, the Pac-12 conference, and women’s basketball as a whole. As one of the most successful and respected coaches in NCAA history, VanDerveer’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come, inspiring future generations of women athletes and coaches. Her retirement marks the end of an era for women’s basketball, but her contributions and legacy will endure.
