On the day Tara VanDerveer made history as the college basketball coach with the most wins ever, she maintained her usual routine, planning to indulge in a game of bridge. This surprising revelation comes from a woman renowned for winning three national titles, reaching 14 Final Fours, and being considered one of the best strategists in women’s basketball history, boasting an unparalleled career win-loss record of 1,203-267.
VanDerveer, 70, surpassed Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski, the former Duke coach, with her 1,203rd victory as Stanford secured a 65-56 win against Oregon State. Just two days earlier, she had tied the record with an 88-63 triumph over Oregon. In between these milestone wins, VanDerveer prioritized a daily game of bridge against her 96-year-old mother, Rita VanDerveer, highlighting the potential secret to her longevity.
The unexpected juxtaposition of VanDerveer’s coaching prowess and her dedication to playing bridge showcases a unique aspect of her life. Throughout the pandemic, when her mother was isolated in Colorado, VanDerveer and her sisters played bridge daily to combat their mom’s loneliness. Even now, amidst a packed schedule involving coaching responsibilities, staff meetings, dog walks, and morning workout swims with Olympian Katie Ledecky, she finds time for the card game.
VanDerveer, in her 45th year of coaching and 38th at Stanford, has consistently found balance in her life. Raised with the belief that basketball wouldn’t take her anywhere, she developed a broader perspective, engaging in various interests and maintaining connections with her family. Despite Stanford’s stringent academic standards limiting her recruiting pool, she has led her team to over 1,200 victories, demonstrating her unwavering standards.
Acknowledging that pressure is inherent in her role as a head coach since the age of 24, VanDerveer rejects being solely defined by her basketball career. She strives to be a good daughter, sister, and friend, emphasizing her multifaceted identity beyond the basketball court.
In an era where women’s basketball is gaining unprecedented attention, VanDerveer, who has waited her whole life for this recognition, expresses excitement about the increased popularity of the game. Her dreams of witnessing women’s basketball in the spotlight are finally coming true, and she finds joy in the positive changes happening in the sport.
VanDerveer’s happiness extends beyond basketball, influenced by her surroundings at Stanford, the beauty of the campus, and the opportunity to engage with exceptional individuals. Her contentment stems from a holistic appreciation for life and people, a perspective rarely heard in the realm of big-time college sports.
As the winningest coach in the history of college basketball, VanDerveer’s achievements stand as a testament to her dedication. While her longevity in coaching has taken a toll, her response to challenges remains resilient. Her focus on regrouping and working hard reflects her commitment to the continuous improvement of her players.
Despite reaching this historic milestone, VanDerveer downplays the significance of records, emphasizing her passion for helping players reach their full potential. Unmotivated by personal accolades, she prioritizes the intricacies of coaching, from studying opponents and recruiting to watching film and, yes, playing bridge.
In a sports culture often dominated by grand celebrations, VanDerveer’s grounded approach and dedication to her craft set her apart. Her desire to move beyond talk of records, focusing on the essentials of coaching and personal fulfillment, reinforces her reputation as not only a historic coach but also a grounded and content individual.