[81alum]

Goose other coaches have been pointing this out for some time.

I guess I kind of expected that was the case, but every year it becomes more plausible. It can also now be argued that since she now holds the record, there is less reason for her to stay around. Perhaps you have some thoughts on how much traction this argument has with the student athletes. I don't really have any first hand access, but I would imagine it is a problem that is becoming "significant".

Goose, as Bob points out, this has been an argument opposing recruiters have been making for about a decade.  We began hearing rumors about this about the time when Pivec turned us down to go to Oregon State in 2016.  My guess is that some recruits are affected by this and it might explain some otherwise not so explainable decisions.

On the other hand, what I came away with after all the celebrations was the understanding that this program now transcends Tara.  She has trained so many fine coaches like LaRoque and Kate Paye that I imagine there will be a surprising degree of continuity when Tara retires.  And I would expect a retirement to be a gradual thing rather than a sudden one.  This will NOT be like the awful Pat Summit transition.  The very factor that made it more difficult to build a program here--the unique circumstances of Stanford--will mean that the program continues in much the same fashion with the same advantages and same disadvantages that shaped Tara's career here.  Whether it is a Paye or a LaRoque or an Ogwumike or another woman off the TVD coaching tree who takes over, it will be someone who has spent her professional life under Tara's mentorship, and we can expect the TVD culture and the uniqueness of Stanford to keep the program what it is.

All that said, I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.  If you watch her press conference and see the joy she exudes, it is hard to imagine her retiring so long as she remains mentally and physically capable.  My guess is that each would-be recruit asks that question and TVD gives them an honest answer.

[81alum]

Goose other coaches have been pointing this out for some time.

I guess I kind of expected that was the case, but every year it becomes more plausible. It can also now be argued that since she now holds the record, there is less reason for her to stay around. Perhaps you have some thoughts on how much traction this argument has with the student athletes. I don't really have any first hand access, but I would imagine it is a problem that is becoming "significant".

Goose, as Bob points out, this has been an argument opposing recruiters have been making for about a decade.  We began hearing rumors about this about the time when Pivec turned us down to go to Oregon State in 2016.  My guess is that some recruits are affected by this and it might explain some otherwise not so explainable decisions.

On the other hand, what I came away with after all the celebrations was the understanding that this program now transcends Tara.  She has trained so many fine coaches like LaRoque and Kate Paye that I imagine there will be a surprising degree of continuity when Tara retires.  And I would expect a retirement to be a gradual thing rather than a sudden one.  This will NOT be like the awful Pat Summit transition.  The very factor that made it more difficult to build a program here--the unique circumstances of Stanford--will mean that the program continues in much the same fashion with the same advantages and same disadvantages that shaped Tara's career here.  Whether it is a Paye or a LaRoque or an Ogwumike or another woman off the TVD coaching tree who takes over, it will be someone who has spent her professional life under Tara's mentorship, and we can expect the TVD culture and the uniqueness of Stanford to keep the program what it is.

All that said, I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.  If you watch her press conference and see the joy she exudes, it is hard to imagine her retiring so long as she remains mentally and physically capable.  My guess is that each would-be recruit asks that question and TVD gives them an honest answer.

[Goose]

Goose other coaches have been pointing this out for some time.

I guess I kind of expected that was the case, but every year it becomes more plausible. It can also now be argued that since she now holds the record, there is less reason for her to stay around. Perhaps you have some thoughts on how much traction this argument has with the student athletes. I don't really have any first hand access, but I would imagine it is a problem that is becoming "significant".

Goose, as Bob points out, this has been an argument opposing recruiters have been making for about a decade.  We began hearing rumors about this about the time when Pivec turned us down to go to Oregon State in 2016.  My guess is that some recruits are affected by this and it might explain some otherwise not so explainable decisions.

On the other hand, what I came away with after all the celebrations was the understanding that this program now transcends Tara.  She has trained so many fine coaches like LaRoque and Kate Paye that I imagine there will be a surprising degree of continuity when Tara retires.  And I would expect a retirement to be a gradual thing rather than a sudden one.  This will NOT be like the awful Pat Summit transition.  The very factor that made it more difficult to build a program here--the unique circumstances of Stanford--will mean that the program continues in much the same fashion with the same advantages and same disadvantages that shaped Tara's career here.  Whether it is a Paye or a LaRoque or an Ogwumike or another woman off the TVD coaching tree who takes over, it will be someone who has spent her professional life under Tara's mentorship, and we can expect the TVD culture and the uniqueness of Stanford to keep the program what it is.

All that said, I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.  If you watch her press conference and see the joy she exudes, it is hard to imagine her retiring so long as she remains mentally and physically capable.  My guess is that each would-be recruit asks that question and TVD gives them an honest answer.

I totally believe that all of the above is true. Stanford's program will undoubtedly be in good hands when Tara does finally decide to step down. It must of course be acknowledged that change doesn't always go quite as planned. It is my guess Tara will ensure things are as well set up for a transition as possible.

My concern isn't what is "true". It is rather what recruits are going to believe is true. There are lots of other schools out there that will spread fear and doubt about the program's future. I think the statement "Well, if you go to Stanford TVD will probably leave before you do" has traction. One year, she will consider retiring and actually do it. She doesn't know when that will be. As you say, she tells the truth. She isn't going to "promise" what she can't guarantee. That is a good thing IMO. However, I am concerned it is dissuading some recruits. No idea how many.

[Goose]

Goose other coaches have been pointing this out for some time.

I guess I kind of expected that was the case, but every year it becomes more plausible. It can also now be argued that since she now holds the record, there is less reason for her to stay around. Perhaps you have some thoughts on how much traction this argument has with the student athletes. I don't really have any first hand access, but I would imagine it is a problem that is becoming "significant".

Goose, as Bob points out, this has been an argument opposing recruiters have been making for about a decade.  We began hearing rumors about this about the time when Pivec turned us down to go to Oregon State in 2016.  My guess is that some recruits are affected by this and it might explain some otherwise not so explainable decisions.

On the other hand, what I came away with after all the celebrations was the understanding that this program now transcends Tara.  She has trained so many fine coaches like LaRoque and Kate Paye that I imagine there will be a surprising degree of continuity when Tara retires.  And I would expect a retirement to be a gradual thing rather than a sudden one.  This will NOT be like the awful Pat Summit transition.  The very factor that made it more difficult to build a program here--the unique circumstances of Stanford--will mean that the program continues in much the same fashion with the same advantages and same disadvantages that shaped Tara's career here.  Whether it is a Paye or a LaRoque or an Ogwumike or another woman off the TVD coaching tree who takes over, it will be someone who has spent her professional life under Tara's mentorship, and we can expect the TVD culture and the uniqueness of Stanford to keep the program what it is.

All that said, I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.  If you watch her press conference and see the joy she exudes, it is hard to imagine her retiring so long as she remains mentally and physically capable.  My guess is that each would-be recruit asks that question and TVD gives them an honest answer.

I totally believe that all of the above is true. Stanford's program will undoubtedly be in good hands when Tara does finally decide to step down. It must of course be acknowledged that change doesn't always go quite as planned. It is my guess Tara will ensure things are as well set up for a transition as possible.

My concern isn't what is "true". It is rather what recruits are going to believe is true. There are lots of other schools out there that will spread fear and doubt about the program's future. I think the statement "Well, if you go to Stanford TVD will probably leave before you do" has traction. One year, she will consider retiring and actually do it. She doesn't know when that will be. As you say, she tells the truth. She isn't going to "promise" what she can't guarantee. That is a good thing IMO. However, I am concerned it is dissuading some recruits. No idea how many.

[BobK]

This I agree with Goose. Which is why we and recruits know ok 90% know who the next coach will be

[BobK]

This I agree with Goose. Which is why we and recruits know ok 90% know who the next coach will be

[76lsjumb]

Before just reading in another thread that this is the first year in almost a decade that we haven't gotten at least one McDonald's All-American in the upcoming recruiting class [yikes!], I was thinking that this scenario -- the potential for Tara to retire in the near future (although presumably not next year) -- might be a [the only?] scenario in which the transfer portal could actually benefit Stanford, at least in terms of recruiting.  

Given the number of ex-Stanford players starting for various teams around the country this season and in the recent past -- some of whom are starting or playing on top-10 teams [or at least top-25 teams -- why wouldn't a top-ranked recruit who wanted to play for the winningest coach of all time come to Stanford even if it might turn out to be for fewer than four years?  Betts, Nivar, and others have shown that -- if you're a good player [i.e., the quality that we're presumably worried about not being able to attract] it's pretty easy to be a one-and-done at Stanford and end up on another highly-ranked squad the next season.  Come to Stanford, play for Tara as long as she's there and, if it turns out to be less than four years and you're not feeling that the Stanford degree is worth staying and playing for the new coach, go play for Cori Close, or Kim Mulkey, or Geno Auriemma, or Lindsey Gottlieb, or whomever.  With each passing season, it's looking like the players who stay at one place for a whole 4-year career are becoming more and more rare.

Of course, if you already believe that playing for one of those others is better than getting any playing time at all under Tara, you wouldn't come here in the first place, I guess.  Is this year's recruiting situation an indication that sentiment already gained traction?  I hope not.

[76lsjumb]

Before just reading in another thread that this is the first year in almost a decade that we haven't gotten at least one McDonald's All-American in the upcoming recruiting class [yikes!], I was thinking that this scenario -- the potential for Tara to retire in the near future (although presumably not next year) -- might be a [the only?] scenario in which the transfer portal could actually benefit Stanford, at least in terms of recruiting.  

Given the number of ex-Stanford players starting for various teams around the country this season and in the recent past -- some of whom are starting or playing on top-10 teams [or at least top-25 teams -- why wouldn't a top-ranked recruit who wanted to play for the winningest coach of all time come to Stanford even if it might turn out to be for fewer than four years?  Betts, Nivar, and others have shown that -- if you're a good player [i.e., the quality that we're presumably worried about not being able to attract] it's pretty easy to be a one-and-done at Stanford and end up on another highly-ranked squad the next season.  Come to Stanford, play for Tara as long as she's there and, if it turns out to be less than four years and you're not feeling that the Stanford degree is worth staying and playing for the new coach, go play for Cori Close, or Kim Mulkey, or Geno Auriemma, or Lindsey Gottlieb, or whomever.  With each passing season, it's looking like the players who stay at one place for a whole 4-year career are becoming more and more rare.

Of course, if you already believe that playing for one of those others is better than getting any playing time at all under Tara, you wouldn't come here in the first place, I guess.  Is this year's recruiting situation an indication that sentiment already gained traction?  I hope not.

[oldalum]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

[oldalum]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

[martyup]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

My mom is 86 years old and is still competing in open stock horse classes, and winning!  She loves it and has a really good horse to ride.  Tara loves coaching Stanford womens' basketball and has consistently good teams.  Why shouldn't she keep coaching until her body and mind don't cooperate?

[martyup]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

My mom is 86 years old and is still competing in open stock horse classes, and winning!  She loves it and has a really good horse to ride.  Tara loves coaching Stanford womens' basketball and has consistently good teams.  Why shouldn't she keep coaching until her body and mind don't cooperate?

[crackpot]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

My mom is 86 years old and is still competing in open stock horse classes, and winning!  She loves it and has a really good horse to ride.  Tara loves coaching Stanford womens' basketball and has consistently good teams.  Why shouldn't she keep coaching until her body and mind don't cooperate?

Right? As we've seen, Tara has excellent jeans, is in great health, and hates being bored. I can't imagine her giving it up for at least another ten years. 

Does anyone really think Geno, Kim, or even Close will still be coaching then? Or, heck, even alive? And as Kim showed, you can have a lot of success at one school but all it takes is one minor snub and boom off to another school.

(And I know Geno's mom is way up there, but, um,  he don't look good...)

[crackpot]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

My mom is 86 years old and is still competing in open stock horse classes, and winning!  She loves it and has a really good horse to ride.  Tara loves coaching Stanford womens' basketball and has consistently good teams.  Why shouldn't she keep coaching until her body and mind don't cooperate?

Right? As we've seen, Tara has excellent jeans, is in great health, and hates being bored. I can't imagine her giving it up for at least another ten years. 

Does anyone really think Geno, Kim, or even Close will still be coaching then? Or, heck, even alive? And as Kim showed, you can have a lot of success at one school but all it takes is one minor snub and boom off to another school.

(And I know Geno's mom is way up there, but, um,  he don't look good...)

[qwerty49]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

My mom is 86 years old and is still competing in open stock horse classes, and winning!  She loves it and has a really good horse to ride.  Tara loves coaching Stanford womens' basketball and has consistently good teams.  Why shouldn't she keep coaching until her body and mind don't cooperate?

Right? As we've seen, Tara has excellent jeans, is in great health, and hates being bored. I can't imagine her giving it up for at least another ten years. 

Does anyone really think Geno, Kim, or even Close will still be coaching then? Or, heck, even alive? And as Kim showed, you can have a lot of success at one school but all it takes is one minor snub and boom off to another school.

(And I know Geno's mom is way up there, but, um,  he don't look good...)

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

[qwerty49]

I could see Tara coaching for 5-10 years.  She herself says she thinks about retirement at the end of every season and those thoughts last about one day.

During the early pandemic total lockdown (no practice, no nothing), I recall Tara saying something like, if this is what retirement's like, she doesn't want any part of it.

My mom is 86 years old and is still competing in open stock horse classes, and winning!  She loves it and has a really good horse to ride.  Tara loves coaching Stanford womens' basketball and has consistently good teams.  Why shouldn't she keep coaching until her body and mind don't cooperate?

Right? As we've seen, Tara has excellent jeans, is in great health, and hates being bored. I can't imagine her giving it up for at least another ten years. 

Does anyone really think Geno, Kim, or even Close will still be coaching then? Or, heck, even alive? And as Kim showed, you can have a lot of success at one school but all it takes is one minor snub and boom off to another school.

(And I know Geno's mom is way up there, but, um,  he don't look good...)

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

[crackpot]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Oh, boy. LOL. Excuse me while I move out of state...

Also forgot to add that if some NBA team offered Lindsay a HC gig, she'd been gone faster than an unlocked car at Felix Chevrolet.

[crackpot]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Oh, boy. LOL. Excuse me while I move out of state...

Also forgot to add that if some NBA team offered Lindsay a HC gig, she'd been gone faster than an unlocked car at Felix Chevrolet.

[WBB fan]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Oh, boy. LOL. Excuse me while I move out of state...

Also forgot to add that if some NBA team offered Lindsay a HC gig, she'd been gone faster than an unlocked car at Felix Chevrolet.

NBA, that would be a really big wow

[WBB fan]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Oh, boy. LOL. Excuse me while I move out of state...

Also forgot to add that if some NBA team offered Lindsay a HC gig, she'd been gone faster than an unlocked car at Felix Chevrolet.

NBA, that would be a really big wow

[martyup]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

[martyup]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

[crackpot]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Wait--were you in my backyard this morning??!!

[crackpot]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Wait--were you in my backyard this morning??!!

[martyup]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Wait--were you in my backyard this morning??!!

[martyup]

Excellent jeans always help, LOL

Wait--were you in my backyard this morning??!!