Local Sports Update – Stay Informed with Hometown News

After 38 seasons, Stanford women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer, the NCAA’s winningest coach, has announced her retirement. The 70-year-old coach shared her decision on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the unforgettable journey she has had in the world of basketball.

VanDerveer, who has been coaching for the past 45 years, spent the majority of her career at Stanford, where she achieved remarkable success. With 1,216 victories under her belt, she led the Cardinal to three NCAA championship titles in 1990, 1992, and 2021. Additionally, she coached the U.S. national team to a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

In January, VanDerveer made history by becoming the first coach in the NCAA to win the most games with any team, women’s or men’s, after a victory against the Oregon State Beavers. Reflecting on her career, she emphasized the impact that Stanford basketball has had on the players she has coached, highlighting the importance of teamwork and personal growth.

VanDerveer’s last day as a coach will be on May 8, marking the anniversary of her hire date at Stanford 39 years ago. The university is currently in discussions with Kate Paye, a longtime member of VanDerveer’s staff and former player, to take over the head coaching position for the upcoming season.

As VanDerveer prepares to step down from her coaching role, she will continue to work with Stanford and advise the athletics department, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication to the sport she loves.