Tara VanDerveer, the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement Tuesday night after 38 seasons leading the Stanford women’s team and 45 years overall.

The 70-year-old VanDerveer surpassed Mike Krzyzewski for the wins record in January. The Hall of Famer departs with 1,216 victories at Idaho, Ohio State, and Stanford.

Key Takeaways

Tara VanDerveer, the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement.

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Stanford's top assistant, Kate Paye, is set to take over the program.

Former Stanford player and retired Arizona State coach Charli Turner Thorne reached out to VanDerveer immediately Tuesday, expressing happiness for her to enjoy life after coaching.

VanDerveer always took time to mentor other coaches, and her influence is deeply respected.

VanDerveer’s legacy will be long-lasting. She always took time to mentor other coaches, swapping game film with some or going to the visiting locker room to offer encouraging words and insight.

Her Stanford teams won NCAA titles in 1990, ’92, and 2021 and reached the Final Four 14 times.

VanDerveer took a year away from Stanford to guide the undefeated U.S. women’s Olympic team to a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Her last day is scheduled for May 8, the 39th anniversary of her hiring, and she plans to continue working for the school and athletic department in an advisory role.

Brief Context

Tara VanDerveer, the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history, announced her retirement after 38 seasons leading the Stanford women’s team.

She plans to continue working for the school and athletic department in an advisory role.

Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.