LOOK: David Shaw honors fellow Stanford legend Tara VanDerveer after retirement announcement

April 9, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw (right) talks to womens basketball head coach Tara VanDerveer (left) during the Cardinal & White spring game at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In a surprising Tuesday evening announcement, Stanford's legendary women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer retired from coaching.

The decision to step away from the game comes after 38 years at Stanford, and a 45-year career in total. It was also an announcement that clearly caught the sports world off guard, but was one that led to many people sharing stories of how she impacted their life whether it be on or off the court.

One of the people that did so was former football coach David Shaw, who stepped down after the 2022 season.

April 9, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw (right) talks to womens basketball head coach Tara VanDerveer (left) during the Cardinal & White spring game at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

A champion, a hero to many, and I am fortunate to call
@taras_tweets
a friend and mentor. 🐐 status was cemented by the wins, but it has as much to do with the generations of amazing women she coached and inspired. Only joy, never sadness. ❤️

David Shaw on Tara VanDerveer

The two clearly built a close relationship during their time on the Farm, and while VanDerveer will no longer be on the sidelines she will be working with the school and athletic department in an advisory role. She deeply cares about Stanford, and is now taking on another challenge.

Between Shaw and VanDerveer, they two combined for 1,312 wins overall, 45 Pac-12 titles, and were named Pac-12 Coach of the Year a combined 15 times.

Her former player and long-time assistant Kate Paye is expected to replace her as the head coach.