Stanford names Maples Pavilion basketball court after legendary coach Tara VanDerveer
Legendary Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer won’t be on the court at Maples Pavilion next season following her retirement, but her name won’t be far.
On Thursday, Stanford Athletics announced that the court at Maples Pavilion will be named the Tara VanDerveer Court in honor of the NCAA's all-time winningest basketball coach. VanDerveer retired last month after 38 seasons at Stanford, where she racked up three national championships (1990, 1992, 2021) and 14 Final Four appearances.
“I have many wonderful memories of leading the women's basketball program at Maples Pavilion,” VanDerveer said in a statement shared by the university. “It's an honor, and a little surreal, to know that my name will be linked to both in these ways, and I look forward to celebrating with all our fans this fall."
TARA VANDERVEER: Winningest coach in NCAA basketball history announces retirement from Stanford
That’s not all — a Stanford assistant coaching position will also bear VanDerveer’s moniker. The position was filled by Heather Oesterle, hired by new head coach Kate Paye, who played under VanDerveer (1991-95) and has been on her coaching staff for the past 17 seasons.
The court be will unveiled during a public celebration in November.
"Coach VanDerveer has served as an excellent global ambassador for Stanford throughout nearly 40 years of service," said Stanford President Richard Saller. "Her dedication to ensuring high academic and athletic standards drove our women's basketball program to new heights. Tara represents the best of Stanford: unsurpassed excellence with deep humility. We will be pleased to name the court in her honor and hope that it serves as a constant reminder for Cardinal student-athletes of her passion, care and grace."