[Goose]

Could Tara's retirement still be playing a role?

This is not my "area of expertise" but IMO Tara's absence certainly is playing a role. A few years ago other schools could point out that she might retire while the player was at Stanford. That supposedly did dissuade some recruits. Now for sure you won't play for Tara. One can't question that she had a reputation and was a "prominent" coach. Coach Paye isn't in that category yet. I can't see any way that Tara's absence doesn't affect recruiting. Of course, not everybody loved Tara. However, nobody could question her credentials.

[Goose]

Could Tara's retirement still be playing a role?

This is not my "area of expertise" but IMO Tara's absence certainly is playing a role. A few years ago other schools could point out that she might retire while the player was at Stanford. That supposedly did dissuade some recruits. Now for sure you won't play for Tara. One can't question that she had a reputation and was a "prominent" coach. Coach Paye isn't in that category yet. I can't see any way that Tara's absence doesn't affect recruiting. Of course, not everybody loved Tara. However, nobody could question her credentials.