Tara VanDerveer, the most successful basketball coach in NCAA history, has announced her retirement after an illustrious career spanning 38 seasons leading the Stanford women’s team and a total of 45 years in coaching.
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VanDerveer, 70, made history in January 2024 by surpassing Mike Krzyzewski to become the winningest coach in NCAA basketball. With an impressive record of 1,216 victories at Idaho, Ohio State, and Stanford, she leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in the sport.
Expressing her gratitude for the support she received throughout her coaching journey, VanDerveer stated, “Basketball is the greatest group project there is, and I am so incredibly thankful for every person who has supported me and our teams throughout my coaching career.”
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As part of a long-standing plan, top Cardinal assistant Kate Paye is poised to succeed VanDerveer as the head coach. Negotiations with Paye are currently underway.
Paye, who played for VanDerveer from 1991 to 1995 and has been a part of her coaching staff for 17 years, is well-positioned to carry on the program’s legacy.
VanDerveer’s last day is scheduled for May 8, marking the 39th anniversary of her hiring at Stanford. Despite stepping down from her coaching duties, she intends to remain involved with the school and athletic department in an advisory capacity.
During her tenure at Stanford, VanDerveer led the team to NCAA titles in 1990, 1992, and 2021, and guided them to the Final Four on 14 occasions. Her remarkable achievements have cemented her status as one of the most revered figures in collegiate basketball history.
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