Glenn Coleman
Jan 22, 2024 - 03:35

Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer makes history as NCAA winningest coach

Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer makes history as the winningest coach in NCAA history, earning 1,203 wins and celebrating with fans.

Tara VanDerveer, the coach of the Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team, has officially made history by becoming the winningest coach in NCAA history. At 70 years old, she achieved this milestone with Stanford's recent victory over Oregon State, with a score of 65-56 at Maples Pavilion.

In an interview with "Good Morning America," VanDerveer expressed her disbelief at the achievement, emphasizing the importance of taking each game one at a time. She mentioned the tough nature of the game against Oregon State and praised the performance of players like Kiki Iriafen, who scored 36 points. VanDerveer also highlighted the support of the fans and the celebration that followed the historic win.

Following the game, VanDerveer was impressed by the sportsmanship displayed by the Oregon State players, who congratulated her on her accomplishment. Former Duke men's coach Mike Krzyzewski, who previously held the record for most wins, commended VanDerveer's achievement and described her as a "true guardian" of basketball.

VanDerveer's illustrious career spans four decades and includes 37 appearances in the NCAA tournament, three national championships, and coaching the USA Basketball National Team to an Olympic gold medal in 1996. Despite these accolades, she is most proud of the impact she has had on the lives of the players she has coached, as well as the growth of the Stanford women's basketball program.

The coach attributes her success to the support of her assistants, players, and the university, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving her record-breaking feat. VanDerveer's ultimate goal as a coach is to help young players reach their full potential, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a student learning to play the piano.

VanDerveer's achievement has received widespread recognition from the sports community, with leaders like Krzyzewski acknowledging her impact on the sport of basketball. As she continues to lead the Stanford women's basketball program, VanDerveer remains committed to helping her players become the best versions of themselves both on and off the court.