Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer steps down as head coach after 38 seasons

After 45 seasons coaching throughout college basketball, Tara VanDerveer, the longtime Stanford head coach, has announced her retirement. VanDerveer, who will remain with the Stanford athletic department in an advisory capacity, leaves behind an incredible legacy with an NCAA record 1,216 wins.

VanDerveer got her start at Idaho in 1978 before moving to Ohio State in 1980, where she led the Buckeyes to three NCAA tournament appearances. In 1985, Stanford hired VanDerveer, and she quickly turned the program into a basketball powerhouse. In her 38 seasons with the Cardinal, VanDerveer reached the NCAA tournament 35 times, made 14 Final Fours, and won three NCAA championships in 1990, 1992, and 2021.

Stanford athletic director Bernard Muir praised VanDerveer’s impact on the sport, saying, “Tara’s name is synonymous with the sport, and women’s basketball would not be what it is today without her pioneering work.” He also highlighted her dedication to the campus and the student-athletes who have come through her program.

Assistant coach Kate Pay, who played for VanDerveer herself, will take over as head coach next season. Pay, who has been on staff for 17 seasons, will lead Stanford as they enter the ACC and navigate the loss of star player Cameron Brink to the WNBA Draft.

VanDerveer will retire as the winningest head coach in both men’s and women’s Division-I college basketball, surpassing longtime Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s record. UConn coach Geno Auriemma is close behind with 1,213 wins, while Iowa coach Lisa Bluder trails by more than 300 wins. VanDerveer’s impact on the sport and her legacy at Stanford will be remembered for years to come.