Tara VanDerveer, the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement after 38 seasons leading the Stanford women’s team and 45 years overall. Throughout her career, she has helped young coaches like Dawn Staley, Cori Close, Lindsay Gottlieb, and others, going out of her way to assist them behind the scenes. VanDerveer’s kindness and mentorship have left a lasting impact on many in the women’s basketball community, and she is leaving the sport on a high note.
As part of her retirement plan, VanDerveer’s top assistant, Kate Paye, is set to take over the Stanford program. Paye, who played for VanDerveer and has coached on her staff for 17 years, is currently in negotiations to assume the head coaching position. VanDerveer’s legacy extends beyond just wins and losses, as she has cultivated relationships with coaches, players, and programs, leaving a lasting impact long after her retirement.
VanDerveer’s influence on the game of basketball has been profound, with coaches like Lindsay Gottlieb, Charli Turner Thorne, and others expressing gratitude for her guidance and mentorship. Her willingness to reach out to opponents, offer assistance with game planning, and support coaches in their careers has earned her respect and admiration from those in the industry. With an impressive coaching resume that includes three NCAA titles and 14 Final Four appearances, VanDerveer’s contributions to the sport are immeasurable.
Despite the changes in the college basketball landscape, with Stanford moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference, VanDerveer’s impact on the game remains significant. Coaches who have been mentored by her, like Cori Close, credit VanDerveer with shaping their coaching philosophy and approach to the game. VanDerveer’s dedication to the sport and her players has helped elevate women’s basketball to new heights, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
VanDerveer’s retirement on May 8, the 39th anniversary of her hiring at Stanford, marks the end of a remarkable career that has spanned multiple decades and touched the lives of many in the basketball community. Her leadership, passion for the game, and commitment to excellence have set a standard for coaches and players alike. While she plans to continue working in an advisory role for the athletic department, VanDerveer’s retirement is a well-deserved moment of reflection on a career filled with triumphs and lasting memories.
As VanDerveer steps away from the sidelines, she leaves behind a legacy that will endure for years to come. Her impact on the game of basketball, both at Stanford and beyond, is a testament to her dedication, mentorship, and love for the sport. Coaches, players, and fans alike will cherish the memories and lessons learned from VanDerveer’s storied career, celebrating her contributions to women’s basketball and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
