[UltimateCard]

There’s been much discussion on several threads about the effect of travel; I couldn’t find a recent post so dropping this here: In today’s NYTimes/The Athletic, Chantel Jennings reviews UCLA WBB’s odyssey to becoming the top overall seed: How Long was Path to the Tournament for UCLA Women? 36,000 miles (sorry, likely paywall). Interesting to read about all the program adjustments. One comment notes that despite the disruption, a number of Bruins made Big Ten All-Academic team. Hope the former PAC-12 coaches compare notes…

***********

Hi UltimateCard

About this:  "Hope the former PAC-12 coaches compare notes…"

If you were referring to Stanford trying to learn from UCLA how to 'make adjustments to better cope with the increased travel distances & time' ...I would not hold your breath;

Many at Stanford think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches.  And that's really pretty sad & close-minded, and may be a factor in Stanford Sports stagnating, & Stanford student-athletes experiences suffering, while the other 3 universities seem to be adapting more quickly to this new 'NIL/TransferPortal/ExtendedTravel /Need more nimble AdmissionsReviewAndAcceptance For Undergrads & Transfers/ era.

I guess  the good news on the Extended Travel front is that 'Commercial Supersonic Flight' (in the form of Boom Air & Coast to Coast, Point to Point Flights) might be coming online in the year 2030 (though very expensive), so after that with the Large Sums of Money that we Stanford purportedly have, maybe we can contract with Boom Air's Commercial Supersonic Flight to ferry the Stanford Teams from California to the ACC East Coast trips, saving lots of hours of 'Flight Time' for our student-athletes.

WBB coaches have had a long (and I think laudable) history of comparing notes. While competitive on the court (and the recruiting trail), they’ve been cooperative off the court, which has benefitted the game and its participants (coaches, players, and fans). For instance, Tara tells the story of how Stanford learned the Princeton from the UC-Davis coaches (whether the Princeton is the right offense going forward is another conversation). So sure, I do anticipate west coast coaches sharing advice on how to manage travel so that everyone benefits. This kind of collaboration was key in building the women’s game over the last several decades as it was catching up with the men’s after passage of Title IX (men’s coaches compare notes, too, no doubt). I would hope that cooperation among coaches continues, even as WBB evolves with NIL/transfer portal/big media revenue/etc. That’s all I meant - my comment had nothing to do with admissions requirements nor allocation of institutional resources.

[UltimateCard]

There’s been much discussion on several threads about the effect of travel; I couldn’t find a recent post so dropping this here: In today’s NYTimes/The Athletic, Chantel Jennings reviews UCLA WBB’s odyssey to becoming the top overall seed: How Long was Path to the Tournament for UCLA Women? 36,000 miles (sorry, likely paywall). Interesting to read about all the program adjustments. One comment notes that despite the disruption, a number of Bruins made Big Ten All-Academic team. Hope the former PAC-12 coaches compare notes…

***********

Hi UltimateCard

About this:  "Hope the former PAC-12 coaches compare notes…"

If you were referring to Stanford trying to learn from UCLA how to 'make adjustments to better cope with the increased travel distances & time' ...I would not hold your breath;

Many at Stanford think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches.  And that's really pretty sad & close-minded, and may be a factor in Stanford Sports stagnating, & Stanford student-athletes experiences suffering, while the other 3 universities seem to be adapting more quickly to this new 'NIL/TransferPortal/ExtendedTravel /Need more nimble AdmissionsReviewAndAcceptance For Undergrads & Transfers/ era.

I guess  the good news on the Extended Travel front is that 'Commercial Supersonic Flight' (in the form of Boom Air & Coast to Coast, Point to Point Flights) might be coming online in the year 2030 (though very expensive), so after that with the Large Sums of Money that we Stanford purportedly have, maybe we can contract with Boom Air's Commercial Supersonic Flight to ferry the Stanford Teams from California to the ACC East Coast trips, saving lots of hours of 'Flight Time' for our student-athletes.

WBB coaches have had a long (and I think laudable) history of comparing notes. While competitive on the court (and the recruiting trail), they’ve been cooperative off the court, which has benefitted the game and its participants (coaches, players, and fans). For instance, Tara tells the story of how Stanford learned the Princeton from the UC-Davis coaches (whether the Princeton is the right offense going forward is another conversation). So sure, I do anticipate west coast coaches sharing advice on how to manage travel so that everyone benefits. This kind of collaboration was key in building the women’s game over the last several decades as it was catching up with the men’s after passage of Title IX (men’s coaches compare notes, too, no doubt). I would hope that cooperation among coaches continues, even as WBB evolves with NIL/transfer portal/big media revenue/etc. That’s all I meant - my comment had nothing to do with admissions requirements nor allocation of institutional resources.

[fullmetal]

Kate may do well or may not. There is definitely room for improvement, but I'm very much looking forward to seeing her and the team next season.

Agreed, Kate deserves a long runway, so to speak.  She is a quintessential Stanford woman and should be given a real chance.

[fullmetal]

Kate may do well or may not. There is definitely room for improvement, but I'm very much looking forward to seeing her and the team next season.

Agreed, Kate deserves a long runway, so to speak.  She is a quintessential Stanford woman and should be given a real chance.

[BostonCard]

What adjustments do you have in mind, SwagU? UCLA, Notre Dame, and Duke had always largely taken whatever transfers the coaches wanted, so the adjustment to the portal was minimal.

I’m sure Stanford would adjust well to NIL if you or someone else here just cut a $20 million check to lifetime Cardinal. Personally I think it’s not much different than lighting the money on fire, but if you have the cash to burn and want to see Stanford do better, you do you.

BC

[BostonCard]

What adjustments do you have in mind, SwagU? UCLA, Notre Dame, and Duke had always largely taken whatever transfers the coaches wanted, so the adjustment to the portal was minimal.

I’m sure Stanford would adjust well to NIL if you or someone else here just cut a $20 million check to lifetime Cardinal. Personally I think it’s not much different than lighting the money on fire, but if you have the cash to burn and want to see Stanford do better, you do you.

BC

[oldalum]

I'd be grateful to learn from SwagU the names of the "many" "closed-minded" people at Stanford who "think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches." --and how you have learned this about them.

[oldalum]

I'd be grateful to learn from SwagU the names of the "many" "closed-minded" people at Stanford who "think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches." --and how you have learned this about them.

[2006alum]

I'd be grateful to learn from SwagU the names of the "many" "closed-minded" people at Stanford who "think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches." --and how you have learned this about them.

Seconded. Having enrolled in Tara's master class, attended every session, and listened attentively to Kate talk at length about adjusting to life in the ACC, I have zero doubts this coaching staff is open to learning from others and adapting as warranted for success. To a point: Tara literally named her plays after the teams that first used them against her ("e.g., Tarheel."), and brought in the UC Davis coaching staff to teach them the Princeton after seeing it used well against her. Hard to think of better evidence of a coaching staff willing to learn from others.

Swag, I think at this point either provide some receipts to support your claims or acknowledge these claims are more hyperbole than reality. If there's one defining characteristic of the Stanford WBB coaching staff it's been openness to listening and learning from any and all comers.

[2006alum]

I'd be grateful to learn from SwagU the names of the "many" "closed-minded" people at Stanford who "think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches." --and how you have learned this about them.

Seconded. Having enrolled in Tara's master class, attended every session, and listened attentively to Kate talk at length about adjusting to life in the ACC, I have zero doubts this coaching staff is open to learning from others and adapting as warranted for success. To a point: Tara literally named her plays after the teams that first used them against her ("e.g., Tarheel."), and brought in the UC Davis coaching staff to teach them the Princeton after seeing it used well against her. Hard to think of better evidence of a coaching staff willing to learn from others.

Swag, I think at this point either provide some receipts to support your claims or acknowledge these claims are more hyperbole than reality. If there's one defining characteristic of the Stanford WBB coaching staff it's been openness to listening and learning from any and all comers.

[Sam Leopold]

I'd be grateful to learn from SwagU the names of the "many" "closed-minded" people at Stanford who "think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches." --and how you have learned this about them.

+1

[Sam Leopold]

I'd be grateful to learn from SwagU the names of the "many" "closed-minded" people at Stanford who "think 'they have a standard that is better, & know more than UCLA, NotreDame & Duke' & would resist adopting some of those university's approaches." --and how you have learned this about them.

+1

[Card10Fan]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

[Card10Fan]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

[2006alum]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

Great to hear Nunu is coming back, as well as Lepolo. We will have a lot of depth next season, and I'm really psyched that between Somfai and Eschmeyer, plus hopeful S&C progress from Umeh, Nunu should be able to resume playing the power forward role on offense - at least part time. She has a great jumper but didn't get as many opportunities this season since she was always the focal point of our post play.

[2006alum]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

Great to hear Nunu is coming back, as well as Lepolo. We will have a lot of depth next season, and I'm really psyched that between Somfai and Eschmeyer, plus hopeful S&C progress from Umeh, Nunu should be able to resume playing the power forward role on offense - at least part time. She has a great jumper but didn't get as many opportunities this season since she was always the focal point of our post play.

[BosCard]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

Great to hear Nunu is coming back, as well as Lepolo. We will have a lot of depth next season, and I'm really psyched that between Somfai and Eschmeyer, plus hopeful S&C progress from Umeh, Nunu should be able to resume playing the power forward role on offense - at least part time. She has a great jumper but didn't get as many opportunities this season since she was always the focal point of our post play.

I’d like to see Paye experiment with Agara at the 3.  She sometimes struggles posting up or driving against big posts but she is fast enough and certainly strong enough to score over/through a wing defender and she can defend a perimeter player.  Eschmeyer and Somfai are both stretch posts who can hit the three so you could spread out, open the lane and have Agara go to work against a smaller wing defender.

[BosCard]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

Great to hear Nunu is coming back, as well as Lepolo. We will have a lot of depth next season, and I'm really psyched that between Somfai and Eschmeyer, plus hopeful S&C progress from Umeh, Nunu should be able to resume playing the power forward role on offense - at least part time. She has a great jumper but didn't get as many opportunities this season since she was always the focal point of our post play.

I’d like to see Paye experiment with Agara at the 3.  She sometimes struggles posting up or driving against big posts but she is fast enough and certainly strong enough to score over/through a wing defender and she can defend a perimeter player.  Eschmeyer and Somfai are both stretch posts who can hit the three so you could spread out, open the lane and have Agara go to work against a smaller wing defender.

[bl82]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

Great to hear Nunu is coming back, as well as Lepolo. We will have a lot of depth next season, and I'm really psyched that between Somfai and Eschmeyer, plus hopeful S&C progress from Umeh, Nunu should be able to resume playing the power forward role on offense - at least part time. She has a great jumper but didn't get as many opportunities this season since she was always the focal point of our post play.

I’d like to see Paye experiment with Agara at the 3.  She sometimes struggles posting up or driving against big posts but she is fast enough and certainly strong enough to score over/through a wing defender and she can defend a perimeter player.  Eschmeyer and Somfai are both stretch posts who can hit the three so you could spread out, open the lane and have Agara go to work against a smaller wing defender.

Delighted to hear that Kate will be able to retain our full roster, which is critical for building the right culture and an improving team.

Three stretch posts and two very quick guards (between Swain, Clardy and Ijiwoye we should be able to fill that bill) would provide us with a very interesting lineup. It's all about the posts being able to guard the perimeter and not getting killed on switches.

[bl82]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/colle...240579.php

Confirmed from Coach Paye. We have no scholarships available to bring in any transfers and no one is transferring out. I view that as great news. Our nucleus of young players all want to return even after a challenging year and have confidence in our coaching staff. I’m wondering if this will revert back to being more of the norm in the future especially with lifetime cardinal’s work to improve our NIL. That we keep our roster mostly intact year to year with occasional exceptions.

Great to hear Nunu is coming back, as well as Lepolo. We will have a lot of depth next season, and I'm really psyched that between Somfai and Eschmeyer, plus hopeful S&C progress from Umeh, Nunu should be able to resume playing the power forward role on offense - at least part time. She has a great jumper but didn't get as many opportunities this season since she was always the focal point of our post play.

I’d like to see Paye experiment with Agara at the 3.  She sometimes struggles posting up or driving against big posts but she is fast enough and certainly strong enough to score over/through a wing defender and she can defend a perimeter player.  Eschmeyer and Somfai are both stretch posts who can hit the three so you could spread out, open the lane and have Agara go to work against a smaller wing defender.

Delighted to hear that Kate will be able to retain our full roster, which is critical for building the right culture and an improving team.

Three stretch posts and two very quick guards (between Swain, Clardy and Ijiwoye we should be able to fill that bill) would provide us with a very interesting lineup. It's all about the posts being able to guard the perimeter and not getting killed on switches.

[jonnyss]

courtney ogden has been steadily improving. i'd expect to see her at the 3 next year, but if eschmeyer is good enough to bump her to the bench, that would be a pleasant surprise.

[jonnyss]

courtney ogden has been steadily improving. i'd expect to see her at the 3 next year, but if eschmeyer is good enough to bump her to the bench, that would be a pleasant surprise.

[Lorcan]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

[Lorcan]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

[Card10Fan]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

Do you not follow the program? Harriel went though senior day and it was very clear she was not planning to return. She’s been at Stanford four years and will graduate. This is not surprising to anyone.

[Card10Fan]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

Do you not follow the program? Harriel went though senior day and it was very clear she was not planning to return. She’s been at Stanford four years and will graduate. This is not surprising to anyone.

[2006alum]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

I believe this has been long expected. She's a grad transfer who didn't have a scholarship to come back to.

[2006alum]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

I believe this has been long expected. She's a grad transfer who didn't have a scholarship to come back to.

[Lorcan]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

Do you not follow the program? Harriel went though senior day and it was very clear she was not planning to return. She’s been at Stanford four years and will graduate. This is not surprising to anyone.

I do follow - just from afar and I unfortunately don’t get to see festivities such as senior day. 

I had expected Harriel to move on - but when I heard reports of no expected transfers out of Stanford, I had altered my expectations. 

All good, just was reporting what I’d gleaned.

[Lorcan]

Well, that didn't last long. 

Jzaniya Harriel has entered the transfer portal. I wonder if others will follow soon.

Do you not follow the program? Harriel went though senior day and it was very clear she was not planning to return. She’s been at Stanford four years and will graduate. This is not surprising to anyone.

I do follow - just from afar and I unfortunately don’t get to see festivities such as senior day. 

I had expected Harriel to move on - but when I heard reports of no expected transfers out of Stanford, I had altered my expectations. 

All good, just was reporting what I’d gleaned.

[JohnR34231]

McDonalds AA game is tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how our recruits do.

[JohnR34231]

McDonalds AA game is tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how our recruits do.

[OCcardinal]

McDonalds AA game is tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how our recruits do.

Some great plays from all 3 commits in yesterday's scrimmage.  If nothing else, check out the opening tip from Somfai to Swain, which immediately leads to a basket.  McDonald's Girls AA 2025 - 1st Scrimmage

[OCcardinal]

McDonalds AA game is tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how our recruits do.

Some great plays from all 3 commits in yesterday's scrimmage.  If nothing else, check out the opening tip from Somfai to Swain, which immediately leads to a basket.  McDonald's Girls AA 2025 - 1st Scrimmage

[PVTree]

Olivia Miles from USB in the portal. Is there room for her? Could KP reel her in if there is space? 

She would improve KP's odds of getting a better grade next year.

[PVTree]

Olivia Miles from USB in the portal. Is there room for her? Could KP reel her in if there is space? 

She would improve KP's odds of getting a better grade next year.

[PalmTree]

Olivia Miles from USB in the portal. Is there room for her? Could KP reel her in if there is space? 

She would improve KP's odds of getting a better grade next year.

Currently no room at the inn - see recent posts in the 2026 recruiting thread

[PalmTree]

Olivia Miles from USB in the portal. Is there room for her? Could KP reel her in if there is space? 

She would improve KP's odds of getting a better grade next year.

Currently no room at the inn - see recent posts in the 2026 recruiting thread

[fullmetal]

Not gonna lie though, you make room at the inn for Olivia Miles.  She is/was projected to be a top three WNBA draft pick.

[fullmetal]

Not gonna lie though, you make room at the inn for Olivia Miles.  She is/was projected to be a top three WNBA draft pick.