Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer, college basketball all-time winningest coach, announced her retirement Tuesday after 45 seasons.
VanDerveer announced the news via a Stanford media release.
The sport's all-time wins leader.
A legend of the game.
And the steward of a sisterhood that spans generations.🗞️ » https://t.co/ByAigYapHt pic.twitter.com/ElLosK4T2R
— Stanford WBB 🤓🏀 (@StanfordWBB) April 10, 2024
The 70-year-old VanDerveer began her coaching career at Idaho in 1978, and after three seasons there and six seasons at Ohio State, she joined Stanford in 1985. In 38 seasons there, she won three national championships and led the Cardinal to 14 Final Fours.
Her 1,216 career victories are a college basketball record; she eclipsed legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s 1,202 career wins in late January.
“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,” VanDerveer said in the release. “I’ve been spoiled to coach the best and brightest at one of the world’s foremost institutions for nearly four decades. Coupled with my time at Ohio State and Idaho, and as head coach of the United States National Team, it has been an unforgettable ride.
“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. Winning was a byproduct. I’ve loved the game of basketball since I was a little girl, and it has given me so much throughout my life. I hope I’ve been able to give at least a little bit back.”
VanDerveer will maintain a role as an advisor with the Stanford athletics department. Former Stanford player Kate Paye, who has been a member of VanDerveer’s staff for the past 17 seasons, is negotiating a contract with Stanford to become the next head coach.
The college basketball world paid tribute to VanDerveer after the news.
I knew this day was coming, but nothing can prepare you for it actually happening. We were unbelievably lucky to have her for 38 years https://t.co/oeVrGvtYFd
— Channel Tree Sports 🌲 (@channeltree) April 10, 2024
Tara is the gold standard. Love you!!!! @taras_tweets https://t.co/WN0lZVRDy8
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) April 10, 2024
She is Stanford.
🌲♥️🌲♥️🌲♥️🌲♥️🌲♥️🌲 https://t.co/LLJ5XOeCIa— 🌻FtWorthCross🤓🌲🥎 (@SUCardinalRule) April 10, 2024
Ahhh!!!! OMG No way. But so absolutely like Coach to not take a retirement tour and make a season all about herself. A great ambassador for the #womenscbb game, a great rep of @IndianaWBB and @IndianaUniv, now a @Stanford legend. Thank you, Coach & enjoy retirement https://t.co/lOaPIkoRvD
— Elissa Deusner (@HoosierGatorDoc) April 10, 2024
A pioneer for women’s basketball and women’s sports in general.
Thank you Tara 💙🫡 https://t.co/E9Y9mKME4z
— Sarah Tranelli (@stranelli) April 10, 2024
Certainly didn’t expect to see this at 10:45 PM ET on a Tuesday night.
I have a lot of emotions. Mainly sad, but optimistic for the program with Kate as her successor.
Tara made me fall in love with the women’s game. It was always TEAM on both sides of the basketball. 🌲 ♥️ https://t.co/zUhYKHTOTV
— GO SWBB! (@swbbfan1) April 10, 2024
Wow! End of an era indeed. Not only has Tara done so much for @StanfordWBB but she was an integral part of the iconic 1996 USA team, whose glorious success led to the birth of the @WNBA!!
Salute to you, Ms VanDerveer! 👏🏽 https://t.co/FHin1whnKz
— Ira M (@ira_m82) April 10, 2024
