STANFORD, Calif. — Tara VanDerveer, the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement Tuesday evening after 38 seasons at the helm of the Stanford women’s team and 45 years overall.
VanDerveer, 70, passed Mike Krzyzewski for the wins record in January.
The Hall of Famer leaves with 1,216 wins at Idaho, Ohio State and Stanford.
“Basketball is the greatest group project there is and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me and our teams throughout my coaching career,” VanDerveer said in a communicated. “I have had the honor of coaching the best and brightest at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for nearly four decades. »
And as has been the case for years, Cardinal assistant principal Kate Paye is expected to take over the program, and Stanford said in a statement that negotiations with Paye are ongoing.
Paye played for VanDerveer from 1991 to 1995 and coached on his team for 17 years.
Former Stanford player and retired Arizona State coach Charli Turner Thorne immediately contacted VanDerveer on Tuesday.
“She did everything, she is really happy that she can enjoy life after coaching!” Turner Thorne said in a text message to The Associated Press. “When you know, you know.”
VanDerveer’s legacy will be lasting.
She always took time to mentor other coaches, exchanging game film with some or visiting visiting locker rooms to offer encouraging words and ideas.
“Tara’s influence is both deep and broad. I went to her very first camp at Stanford as a camper,” UCLA coach Cori Close said in a text to the AP. “I competed against her and worked in her camps as a player. And I’m now competing against her and learning from her for many years as a coach. My coaching has been impacted on many levels by Tara’s example and direct mentoring at many crossroads. Congratulations on an incredible career Tara. Our game, the Pac-12 Conference, and my coaching are better because of you. Enjoy your retirement. You definitely deserved it.
VanDerveer’s last day is scheduled for May 8, the 39th anniversary of his hiring. And she plans to continue working for the school and athletic department in an advisory role.
His Stanford teams won NCAA titles in 1990, 1992 and 2021 and reached the Final Four 14 times.
VanDerveer took a year away from Stanford to guide the undefeated U.S. women’s Olympic team to a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“In addition to my time at Ohio State and Idaho, and as head coach of the United States National Team, it has been an unforgettable adventure,” she said. “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 have loved basketball since I was little and it has given me a lot throughout my life. I hope I was able to give at least a little bit back.
For many women’s basketball players, the answer is a resounding yes.
“He’s a legend,” California coach and former Stanford player and assistant Charmin Smith told the AP. “She’s going to miss the game.”
New York Post
