History of Tara VanDerveer in Timeline

Tara VanDerveer is a highly accomplished retired American basketball coach who served as the head coach at Stanford University for nearly four decades until her retirement in 2024. During her Stanford tenure, VanDerveer garnered significant achievements, leading the team to three NCAA Division I national titles and winning the Naismith National Coach of the Year award in 1990. VanDerveer also holds the distinction of being one of the few NCAA Division I basketball coaches to have surpassed the 1,000-win milestone, for both men's and women's programs, and she holds the record for most wins in NCAA basketball history across both genders. Her coaching prowess extended to the international level, as she coached the US national team at the 1996 Olympic Games. VanDerveer is also a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

June 26, 1953: Tara VanDerveer's Birth

Tara VanDerveer was born on June 26, 1953.

1973: College Basketball and Transfer to Indiana

In 1973, VanDerveer played college basketball, transferring from Albany to Indiana University after her freshman year. She also helped Indiana reach the Final Four of the AIAW Championship.

1978: First Head Coaching Position at University of Idaho

Tara VanDerveer started her head coaching career at the University of Idaho in 1978.

1980: Return to Ohio State as Head Coach

In 1980, Tara VanDerveer returned to Ohio State to become the head coach of their women's basketball team.

1982: Stanford's Last NCAA Tournament Bid Before VanDerveer

Before VanDerveer's arrival, Stanford last participated in the NCAA tournament in 1982.

1984: Ohio State Breaks into Top 20

In 1984, VanDerveer coached Ohio State, leading them into the Top 20 national ranking.

1984: USA Women's Team Success

The USA women's national basketball team experienced significant success in 1984, winning the Olympic gold medal.

February 1985: Record-Breaking Game Attendance

In February 1985, VanDerveer's Ohio State team played against Iowa in a game attended by a then-record crowd for women's basketball.

1985: Move to Stanford

Despite Ohio State's success and ranking as high as number 7 in 1985, including making it to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament, VanDerveer accepted the head coach position at Stanford in 1985.

1985: VanDerveer Becomes Head Coach at Stanford

In 1985, Tara VanDerveer became the head coach of the Stanford women's basketball team.

1986: Early Involvement with USA Basketball

In 1986, Tara VanDerveer began her involvement with USA Basketball teams.

1986: USA Women's World Championship Win

The USA women's team won the World Championship in 1986.

1988: Stanford Returns to the NCAA Tournament

In 1988, Stanford, coached by VanDerveer, made their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1982, reaching the Sweet Sixteen.

1988: Second Olympic Gold Medal

The USA women's basketball team secured their second consecutive Olympic gold medal in 1988.

1990: Stanford Wins First National Championship

Stanford, led by Jennifer Azzi, won their first national championship against Auburn in the 1990 NCAA tournament.

1990: Continued Work with USA Basketball

Tara VanDerveer continued her work with USA Basketball in 1990.

1990: First NCAA Championship Win

Tara VanDerveer led Stanford to their first NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship in 1990.

1991: Gold Medal at World University Games

In 1991, VanDerveer coached the US team at the World University Games in Sheffield, England, leading them to an 8-0 record and a gold medal.

1991: Signs of Concern for USA Team

The USA women's Pan American team finished third in 1991, raising concerns about their future dominance.

1992: Second NCAA Championship Win

Tara VanDerveer led Stanford to their second NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship in 1992.

1992: Third Place Finish at Olympics

The USA women's national team finished third at the 1992 Olympics.

1994: Coaching at World Championships and Goodwill Games

In 1994, VanDerveer coached the US team at the World Championships, securing a bronze medal. Later that year, she led the USA Goodwill Games team to a gold medal with a 4-0 record.

1994: Third Place Finish at World Championship

The USA women's national team again finished third in the 1994 World Championship.

1995: Cancellation of Pan Am Games

The 1995 Pan American Games were cancelled.

May 26, 1996: Victory Over Cuban National Team

On May 26, 1996, the USA team, coached by VanDerveer, defeated the Cuban national team in Townsville, Australia, extending their pre-Olympic record to 44-0.

1996: Change in Team Selection Process

In 1996, USA Basketball changed the national team selection process, reducing the head coach's input in player selection. This led to disagreements between VanDerveer and the organization regarding the team's composition, particularly concerning the height of the players.

1996: US National Team Head Coach at Olympics

Tara VanDerveer took a sabbatical from Stanford in 1996 to coach the US women's basketball team at the Olympic Games.

1996: VanDerveer to Coach USA National Team

Tara VanDerveer was selected to coach the USA Basketball women's national team for the 1996 Olympics.

2002: Induction into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2002, Tara VanDerveer was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

2019: VanDerveer Reaches 900 Wins at Stanford

By 2019, Tara VanDerveer had achieved 900 wins coaching at Stanford, becoming the fifth Division I coach to reach this milestone at a single school.

December 14, 2020: VanDerveer Ties Record for Coaching Wins

On December 14, 2020, VanDerveer tied the record for coaching wins in women's college basketball.

December 15, 2020: Most Wins in Women's College Basketball History

On December 15, 2020, VanDerveer surpassed Pat Summitt's record for most wins in women's college basketball history.

December 16, 2020: VanDerveer Breaks Record for Coaching Wins

On December 16, 2020, VanDerveer broke the record for coaching wins in women's college basketball, surpassing Pat Summitt's record by beating Pacific.