Tara VanDerveer, the most successful coach in NCAA basketball history, announces her retirement after a 45-year career, while Caitlin Clark’s anticipated WNBA debut promises to boost league viewership and attendance.
Tara VanDerveer, the most successful coach in NCAA basketball history, has announced her retirement, concluding an illustrious 45-year coaching career. With a record 1,216 victories, VanDerveer has surpassed the wins of former record holder Mike Krzyzewski, making her tenure memorable. During her career, she led Stanford to three NCAA titles (1990, 1992, and 2021) and made 14 appearances in the Final Four. Following her departure, Kate Paye, a long-serving assistant under VanDerveer, is set to take over the program, bringing her own 17 years of coaching experience. VanDerveer’s retirement is seen as the end of an era in college basketball, reflecting a legacy of achievement and influence in the sport.
In another significant development for women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark’s impending entrance into the WNBA is expected to boost the league’s ratings and attendance. Following an outstanding college basketball season at Iowa, Clark has drawn considerable attention, even contributing to record-breaking viewership numbers for women’s basketball. The WNBA, already experiencing its most-watched season in two decades and a significant attendance increase, anticipates further growth with Clark’s debut. Her expected selection as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft has generated excitement, with teams preparing for higher attendance by relocating games to larger venues. Clark’s contribution to women’s basketball has been acknowledged by players and coaches alike, signaling a promising future for the league with her professional debut.
