Auriemma: VanDerveer's Retirement 'Monumental' In Women's Basketball

STORRS, CT — Legendary University of Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Aureimma Wednesday paid tribute to another legendary coach, calling the retirement of Stanford's Tara VanDerveer a "monumental" moment in women's basketball.

The Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer announced her retirement Wednesday. In 45 years as a head coach at Idaho (1978-80), Ohio State (1980-85) and Stanford (1985-95, 1996-2024), VanDerveer amassed an NCAA-record 1,216 victories. In 38 seasons at Stanford, she led the Cardinal to three NCAA championships – 1990, 1992 and 2021 – and 14 Final Fours.

"Obviously, it’s a monumental day in women’s basketball, and in basketball in general," Auriemma said. "When you've coached for this extended period of time and you've accomplished what Tara's accomplished, it has an incredible effect on the basketball community. The number of wins, the national championships, the Hall of Fame. She's had an incredible career and she's left a great impact on the sport. It’s been exciting to compete against her all these years. Congratulations to Tara, and I'm sure she’ll enjoy the next phase of her life.

Stanford officials said negotiations are ongoing with Kate Paye, who played under VanDerveer from 1991-95 and has been a member of her staff for the past 17 seasons, to become VanDerveer's successor.

Paye would become the program's fifth head coach beginning with the 2024-25 season.

"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. "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 will continue to work with Stanford and the Athletics Department in an advisory capacity. "

VanDerveer's last day at Stanford will be May 8, on the 39th anniversary of her original hire.