Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer Achieves Title of Winningest Coach in NCAA Basketball History

Tara VanDerveer, the head coach of Stanford University’s basketball team, secured her position as the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history following Stanford’s 65-56 victory over the Oregon State Beavers at the Maples Pavilion in California. With this win, VanDerveer boasts a remarkable 1,203 career victories over her 45-year coaching career, surpassing the previous record held by Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski.

The historic achievement took place as Stanford, led by junior forward Kiki Iriafen with an impressive performance of 12 rebounds and a career-high 36 points, secured the decisive win. VanDerveer expressed humility in the face of this milestone, attributing the success to the collaboration with great players, dedicated staff, and opportunities at prestigious universities throughout her coaching journey.

At the age of 70, VanDerveer is in her 38th season at Stanford, spanning from 1985 to 1995 and from 1996 to the current season. Her coaching legacy includes three national titles at Stanford and five National Coach of the Year awards. Prior to her tenure at Stanford, she also coached at the University of Idaho and Ohio State. In 2011, Tara VanDerveer was rightfully inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

This achievement comes just days after VanDerveer tied with Mike Krzyzewski for the NCAA record for career wins following Stanford’s victory over Oregon on Friday. The coach emphasized the positive spotlight on women’s basketball, acknowledging the attention and the exceptional season they are experiencing.