Tara VanDerveer, head coach of Stanford University women's basketball and the winningest coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement Tuesday after 38 seasons with the team.
Vanderveer made history in January When he won 1,203 against Oregon State at Maples Pavilion. With her win, she surpassed the record set by former Duke and Army coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Her record currently stands at 1,216 wins over 45 years as head coach at the University of Idaho (1978-80), Ohio State (1980-85) and Stanford (1985-95, 1996-2024). It has become. She led Stanford to 3 NCAA Championships and 4 Finals appearances 14 times, won the Pac-12 Coach of the Year Award 17 times, and won the National Coach of the Year Award five times. I received an award. During his one year away from Stanford, VanDerveer also led the 1996 U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal at the Atlanta Games.
“Basketball is the greatest group project in the world, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me and my team throughout my coaching career,” VanDerveer said. said in a statement. “For nearly 40 years, I have been privileged to coach some of the most talented players at one of the world's premier institutions, including my time at Ohio State and Idaho, and as the head coach of the U.S. National Team. “The joy for me was traveling through the seasons, seeing a group of young women working hard for each other and creating an unbreakable bond.” Winning was a byproduct. I loved the game of basketball from a young age,” and it has given me so much throughout my life. I hope I can give back at least a little bit. ”
The university said it is negotiating with Kate Pay to replace VanDerveer. Paye previously played under Vanderveer in the '90s and has been a member of her staff for nearly 20 years.
“Tara's name is synonymous with our sport, and women's basketball would not be where it is today without her pioneering work,” said Stanford University Athletic Director Bernard Muir. “Tara's influence has been unparalleled, and I don't think it's unreasonable to describe her as one of the most influential people to have ever been associated with this university. ”
Vanderveer will remain with Stanford University and its athletics department, serving as an advisor.
After her announcement, VanDerveer received waves of praise from across the sports world, including tennis great and social justice champion Billie Jean King.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared his thoughts on VanDerveer's retirement after Tuesday night's win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I love Tara. She's great. We connected quite a bit. She came to our practices. I've seen her on campus. I respect her so much. “I admire her, and my first reaction was, I'm excited for her,” Kerr said. “She can water ski. She loves water skiing, I know. So she congratulates Tara on her amazing career.”
“Obviously, this is a monumental day for women's basketball and basketball in general,” said UW women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma. “When you coach for this long and accomplish what Tara accomplished, it has an incredible impact on the basketball world: championships, national championships, Hall of Fame induction. She had a great career. “She has left a huge impact on this sport. It has been exciting to compete with her all these years. Congratulations to Tara. I am sure she will enjoy the next phase of her life.” .”