Stanford University women's basketball head coach Tara VanderVeer is stepping down from her position after 38 seasons of leading the Cardinal.

The three-time NCAA Division I champion believes that the timing right now is appropriate for her retirement, and her decision is unrelated to the school's transition to the ACC next season.

"Sometimes you just feel like you're ready. I'm ready," the 70-year-old said during her retirement press conference on Wednesday, April 10th.

Since 1985, Stanford has had VanDerveer as their head coach, and most recently, she led them to the National Title in 2021.

Tara VanDerveer holds the record for the most wins by a head coach in college basketball history, whether men's or women's, accumulating 1,216 victories during her coaching career between the Idaho Vandals, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Stanford Cardinal since 1978.

The five-time National Coach of the Year recipient is set to retire on May 8th, but she will continue to contribute to the school's athletic department in an advisory capacity.

Stanford Cardinal Appoints New Head Coach Following Tara VanDerveer's Departure

Following Tara VanDerveer's retirement, longtime assistant coach Kate Paye will assume the reins of the team.

Kate Paye has been part of Stanford's coaching staff since 2007, serving as an associate coach for the past eight seasons.

Additionally, she was also a member of the 1992 Stanford Cardinal team that claimed the National Championship.