After 45 years at the helm, Tara VanDerveer, the legendary NCAA basketball coach with an unmatched record of 1,216 victories, has announced her retirement, Stanford revealed on Tuesday evening.
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Negotiations are currently ongoing for Kate Paye, a former player under VanDerveer's guidance and a longstanding member of her coaching staff, to step into the role as her successor, the university confirmed.
VanDerveer, 70, has left an indelible mark on the sport, securing three national championships (in 1990, 1992, and 2021) during her remarkable 38-season tenure at Stanford, which saw the team make 14 Final Four appearances. Prior to Stanford, she also made notable coaching contributions at Idaho (from 1978 to 1980) and Ohio State (from 1980 to 1985).
Reflecting on her illustrious career, VanDerveer expressed her gratitude, stating, "Basketball is the greatest group project there is, and I am so incredibly thankful for every person who has supported me and our teams throughout my coaching career." She continued, "Winning was a byproduct. The joy for me was in the journey of each season, seeing a group of young women work hard for each other and form an unbreakable bond."
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With an all-time record of 1,216-271 (81.8%), VanDerveer leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court. Stanford announced that she will continue to serve the university and the athletic department in an advisory capacity.
Bernard Muir, Stanford's athletics director, paid tribute to VanDerveer, acknowledging her unparalleled impact on the sport and the university community. "Tara's name is synonymous with the sport, and women's basketball would not be what it is today without her pioneering work," Muir remarked.
VanDerveer's achievements include surpassing the NCAA win record previously held by retired coaches Mike Krzyzewski of Duke and Army. Her final victory came during the NCAA tournament's second round, as Stanford defeated Iowa State.
Although she is best known for her contributions to West Coast basketball, VanDerveer's influence transcended regional boundaries. She led Stanford to 36 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances since 1988, a streak second only to Tennessee.
VanDerveer's departure coincides with significant changes in the Pac-12 conference, which she helped elevate to national prominence. Stanford's dominance in Pac-12 women's basketball, with 27 regular-season titles since 1989, underscores her lasting impact on the sport.
As VanDerveer bids farewell to coaching, her legacy as a trailblazer and mentor will endure, shaping the future of women's basketball for generations to come.