Legendary college basketball coach Tara VanDerveer will retire.
VanDerveer, a three-time National Champion head coach with the Stanford Cardinal, will exit the coaching realm after an illustrious career that began in 1978.
VanDerveer and the Cardinal were among the best teams in the nation this past year. Led by Cameron Brink, Stanford once again posed a threat and reached the second weekend. They ultimately were undone by NC State in the Sweet 16, but it was yet another lengthy run in the tournament for the legendary VanDerveer on her way out.
During media availability this week following that announcement, VanDerveer addressed reporters on her decision to walk away from the game. A curious “young reporter” wanted to know something, though.
What’s her favorite ‘Tara=ism?’
The “reporter” in question? Stanford’s Kiki Iriafen.
We’ve got a special question from an up-and-coming reporter in the crowd: @kikiiriafen 😂😂😂
“What is your favorite ‘Tara-ism?'” pic.twitter.com/51Mz83dasb
— Stanford WBB 🤓🏀 (@StanfordWBB) April 10, 2024
“Wow, let’s see, Kiki,” VanDerveer said. “Well, there are a couple of them.”
“Sleep nights when we’re not focusing on a drill… Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant… They made the movie ‘Dumb & Dumber,’ and you weren’t in it.”
Laughter ensued in the media room after VanDerveer rattled her greatest hits off. It’s clear she was well-respected and admired at the post in Stanford. She left a significant impact on the game and will surely be missed.
Best wishes to Tara VanDerveer in retirement.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022