Legendary women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer has announced her retirement from Stanford University, where she spent nearly four decades of her 45-year coaching career. VanDerveer retired after setting an NCAA record with 1,216 victories, three national championships, and 14 Final Four appearances. She expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career, stating that basketball is the greatest group project and that coaching the best and brightest at Stanford has been an unforgettable experience. VanDerveer also highlighted the joy of each season, seeing young women work hard for each other and form unbreakable bonds, with winning being a byproduct of their efforts.
Already a Hall of Fame coach, VanDerveer solidified her legacy this past season by surpassing Mike Krzyzewski for the NCAA basketball wins record in January. Stanford’s athletic director, Bernard Muir, praised VanDerveer for her pioneering work in women’s basketball and described her as an energetic and positive teacher, a trusted friend and mentor, and one of the most influential people associated with the university. The school is in negotiations with former player Kate Paye to succeed VanDerveer as head coach, with her retirement set for May 9, which marks the 39-year anniversary of her hiring at Stanford. It has been announced that VanDerveer will continue to work in an advisory role for the athletics department.
VanDerveer’s impact on women’s basketball is widely recognized, and the sport would not be what it is today without her contributions. She reflected on her love for the game since childhood and expressed hope that she has given back even just a little of what basketball has given her. VanDerveer’s career has been marked by success, but she emphasizes that the journey of each season and the bonds formed with her players have been the most rewarding aspects of coaching. She thanked everyone who has supported her and her teams throughout her coaching career, acknowledging that their dedication and hard work have been essential to her accomplishments.
As VanDerveer steps away from coaching, her influence on the sport and the next generation of coaches and players is undeniable. Her retirement announcement has prompted reflections on her storied career and the mark she has left on women’s basketball. As Stanford prepares for a new era under a new head coach, VanDerveer’s legacy will continue to be celebrated and honored. The impact she has had on the game, the university, and the countless individuals she has mentored over the years will endure as a testament to her dedication and passion for basketball.
