STANFORD, Calif. — Tara VanDerveer, the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement Tuesday night after leading the Stanford University women’s team for 38 seasons and a total of 45 years.
VanDerveer, 70, surpassed Mike Krzyzewski for the winning record in January.
The Hall of Famer departs with 1,216 wins at the University of Idaho, Ohio State and Stanford.
“Basketball is the greatest of group projects, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me and my team throughout my coaching career,” VanDerveer said in a statement. “For nearly 40 years, I have been blessed to mentor some of the brightest minds at some of the world’s leading educational institutions.”
As had been planned for years, top Cardinal assistant Kate Paye will take over the program, and Stanford said in a statement that negotiations with Paye are ongoing.
Mr. Paye played at VanDerveer from 1991 to 1995 and was a coach on the staff for 17 years.
Former Stanford player and former Arizona State coach Charlie Turner Thorne immediately contacted VanDerveer on Tuesday.
“She’s done it all and is really happy to be able to enjoy life after coaching!” Turner Thorne said in a text message to The Associated Press. “When you know, you know.”
Mr. VanDerveer’s legacy will be long-lasting.
She always took the time to mentor other coaches, swapping game film and visiting locker rooms to offer words of encouragement and insight.
“Tara’s influence is deep and wide. I went to her first camp at Stanford as a camper,” UCLA coach Cori Close told The Associated Press in a text message. “I competed with her and worked at her camps as a player. And I’ve now competed with her and learned from her for many years as a coach. My coaching is based on Tara’s example and many crossroads. Your direct coaching has impacted me on so many levels. Congratulations Tara on a great career. Our game, the Pac-12 Conference, and my coaching are better because of you. Enjoy your retirement. You certainly earned it.”
Ms. VanDerveer’s final day is scheduled for May 8, the 39th anniversary of her employment. And she will continue to serve in an advisory role with the school and athletic department.
Her Stanford teams won NCAA titles in 1990, ’92 and 2021 and reached the Final Four 14 times.
Vanderveer took a year off from Stanford University to lead the undefeated U.S. women’s Olympic team to a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“My time at Ohio State and Idaho, combined with my time as the head coach of the U.S. national team, made for an unforgettable experience,” she said. “The joy for me was watching a group of young women work hard for each other and form an inseparable bond as we traveled through the seasons. Winning was a byproduct. I have loved basketball since I was little, and basketball has given me a lot throughout my life. I hope I can give back in some small way.”
For many in the women’s basketball world, the answer is a resounding yes.
“She’s a legend,” Cal coach and former Stanford player and assistant Charmin Smith texted to The Associated Press. “She’s going to be missing in this game.”
