San Francisco, CA – After a remarkable 45-year coaching career, Tara VanDerveer, the legendary head coach of Stanford University’s women’s basketball team, has announced her retirement. VanDerveer, who amassed a record-breaking 1,216 wins during her tenure, will pass the torch to assistant coach Kate Paye, a former player under VanDerveer’s guidance. Despite stepping down as head coach, VanDerveer will continue to support the Stanford athletic department in an advisory role.
VanDerveer’s impact on women’s basketball is unparalleled, with a legacy that includes three NCAA championships and countless NCAA tournament appearances. She is credited with transforming the Stanford program into a powerhouse and setting a standard of excellence that has endured for nearly four decades. VanDerveer’s love for the game and dedication to her players have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Reflecting on her career, VanDerveer expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has had to mentor and coach young women throughout the years. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and the joy she found in witnessing the growth and camaraderie of each season’s team. VanDerveer’s commitment to developing not only skilled athletes but also strong, resilient individuals has shaped the lives of many.
Stanford Athletic Director Bernard Muir lauded VanDerveer for her contributions to the university, describing her as a pioneer whose influence on women’s basketball has been profound. Muir highlighted VanDerveer’s role in building one of the sport’s iconic programs and praised her as a teacher, mentor, and friend to all who crossed her path.
As VanDerveer transitions into retirement, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy as the winningest head coach in men’s and women’s Division-I college basketball. Her successor, Kate Paye, who has been a fixture on the Stanford coaching staff for 17 seasons, is poised to lead the team through a period of change, including the transition to the ACC and the departure of star player Cameron Brink to the WNBA Draft.
While the upcoming season will bring new challenges for Stanford women’s basketball, VanDerveer’s decision to retire was not influenced by the conference realignment. She affirmed that the time felt right for her to step back and allow the next generation of coaches to take the reins. VanDerveer expressed confidence in Paye’s ability to lead the team, citing her dedication and work ethic as qualities that will serve Stanford well in the years to come.