Stanford Women's Basketball Coach Tara VanDerveer Retires After Historic Career

Tom Dierberger | Apr 9, 2024

Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer is officially calling it a career.

VanDerveer announced her retirement Tuesday in a statement released by the university. The 70-year-old finishes off her historic career as the all-time winningest coach in women's college basketball history, with 1,216 wins to her name across 45 seasons as a head coach at Idaho (1978 to '80), Ohio State (1980 to '85) and Stanford (1985 to '95; 1996 to 2024).

Kate Paye, a former Stanford player and assistant coach for the last 17 seasons, will take over as the program's head coach.

"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," VanDerveer said in a statement. "I've been spoiled to coach the best and brightest at one of the world's foremost institutions for nearly four decades. Coupled with my time at Ohio State and Idaho, and as head coach of the United States National Team, it has been an unforgettable ride.

"The joy for me was in the journey of each season, seeing a group of young women work hard for each other and form an unbreakable bond. Winning was a byproduct. I've loved the game of basketball since I was a little girl, and it has given me so much throughout my life. I hope I've been able to give at least a little bit back."

VanDerveer took over Stanford's women's basketball program in 1985. The team was coming off a 9–19 season under coach Dotty McCrea. Stanford went 13–15 in VanDerveer's first year and 14–14 in her second campaign, but finished with a winning record in every ensuing season.

VanDerveer steered Stanford to 14 Final Four appearances and three national championships in 1990, 1992 and 2021.