Tara VanDerveer, winningest coach in college basketball, retires after 45 years

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Stanford University announced Tuesday that legendary women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer, the winningest coach in college basketball history, is retiring. 

VanDerveer, who spent nearly four decades of her 45-year career with Stanford, retired this week after setting an NCAA record with her 1,216 victories, three national championships and 14 Final Four appearances.

Stanford Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer celebrates after her team's victory against the Utah Utes in the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at Michelob Ultra Arena March 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

"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 in a statement provided by the school.

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"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."

Stanford Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer celebrates at Stanford Maples Pavilion after a game against the Oregon Ducks. Tara VanDerveer tied Mike Krzyzewski with 1,202 NCAA