Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer, the winningest coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement Tuesday after 38 seasons with the team.
VanDerveer made history in January When it recorded its 1,203rd victory against Oregon State at Maples Pavilion. The win moved her past the record set by former Duke and Army coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Her record currently stands at 1,216 wins after 45 years as head coach at Idaho (1978-80), Ohio State (1980-85) and Stanford (1985-95, 1996-2024). She led Stanford to three NCAA Tournaments and 14 Final Four appearances and was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year 17 times along with five national Coach of the Year awards. VanDerveer also coached the 1996 U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal at the Atlanta Games during a year away from Stanford.
“Basketball is the greatest team enterprise ever, and I am so grateful to every person who has supported me and our team throughout my coaching career,” VanDerveer said in a prepared statement. “I've been spoiled with coaching the best and the brightest at one of the world's premier institutions for nearly four decades. Combined with my time at Ohio State, Idaho, and as head coach of the U.S. National Team, it's been an unforgettable experience. The ride. It's been fun. For me the journey of each season is where I see a group of young women working hard for each other and forming an unbreakable bond. Winning was a byproduct. I have loved the game of basketball since I was a little girl. “It has given me so much throughout my life. “And I hope I'll be able to at least return the favor.”
The university said it is in negotiations with Kate Bay to succeed VanDerveer. Paye once played under VanDerveer in the 1990s, and has been part of their staff for nearly 20 years.
“Tara’s name is synonymous with the sport, and women’s basketball would not be what it is today without her pioneering work,” Stanford athletic director Bernard Moyer said. “Tara’s influence is simply unparalleled, and I do not think it is an exaggeration to describe her as one of the most influential people ever associated with this university.”
VanDerveer will remain with Stanford and the Department of Athletics and will be involved in an advisory capacity. she She spoke about her retirement and took questions from Bay Area sports media Wednesday afternoon.
Following her announcement, VanDerveer received a wave of accolades from across the sports spectrum, including from famed tennis player and social justice champion Billie Jean King.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his thoughts on VanDerveer's retirement following Tuesday night's win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I love Tara. She's amazing. We've connected quite a bit. She comes to our clinics. I've seen her on campus. I have so much respect and admiration for her and my initial reaction was I'm thrilled she can water ski,” Kerr said. I know she loves water skiing. So, congratulations to Tara on her amazing career.”
“It's obviously a tremendous day for women's basketball, and for basketball in general,” UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma said. “When you train for that extended period of time and you accomplish what Tara accomplished, it has an incredible impact on the basketball community. The number of wins, the national championships, the Hall of Fame. She's had an amazing career. “She's made a huge impact on the sport. It's been exciting competing against her all these years. Congratulations to Tara, I'm sure she will enjoy the next stage of her life. “
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