[81alum]

My enthusiasm level plummeted after last season and was next to zero this season, so I can't say I am disappointed.  That disappointed was already factored in.

Actually, my disappointment--the key turning point--had nothing to do with Kate Paye but came while Tara was still coaching.  It was the loss to Ole Miss in March of 23.  Tara still had a year of coaching, but I think the recipe for Stanford's decline was made plain by that game. Haly Jones, Kiki Iriafan, Cameron Brink, Hannah Jump, and yes even Lauren Betts--could not beat a team of older, more experienced transfer players.  Tara kept going for another year but the formula for 40 years of success under Tara had exploded.  College WBB was no longer going to be about recruiting high school students.  It was no longer going to be about attracting players who who were motivated both by academic as well as athletic success.  It was no longer going to be about developing players over four years.  It was no longer going to be about team loyalty.  It was no longer going to be about capitalizing on players who were simply smarter than the other side.  All the things that made Tara great had vanished, and only Tara's reputation earned during that earlier era could be counted on.

College sports are now worse that professional sports.  All the disadvantages of the pros but no longer any of the charm of tradition, loyalty, and continuity.  The things that made college sports beautiful to the fans have been vandalized.

I complete my retirement in a month and had been looking forward to having more time to devote to my passions like Stanford athletics.  That dream is gone.  I won't be renewing my season tickets and I doubt I will go to any games, probably won't bother to watch on TV even.  I just don't care enough to do so.  Too many better alternatives.

[81alum]

My enthusiasm level plummeted after last season and was next to zero this season, so I can't say I am disappointed.  That disappointed was already factored in.

Actually, my disappointment--the key turning point--had nothing to do with Kate Paye but came while Tara was still coaching.  It was the loss to Ole Miss in March of 23.  Tara still had a year of coaching, but I think the recipe for Stanford's decline was made plain by that game. Haly Jones, Kiki Iriafan, Cameron Brink, Hannah Jump, and yes even Lauren Betts--could not beat a team of older, more experienced transfer players.  Tara kept going for another year but the formula for 40 years of success under Tara had exploded.  College WBB was no longer going to be about recruiting high school students.  It was no longer going to be about attracting players who who were motivated both by academic as well as athletic success.  It was no longer going to be about developing players over four years.  It was no longer going to be about team loyalty.  It was no longer going to be about capitalizing on players who were simply smarter than the other side.  All the things that made Tara great had vanished, and only Tara's reputation earned during that earlier era could be counted on.

College sports are now worse that professional sports.  All the disadvantages of the pros but no longer any of the charm of tradition, loyalty, and continuity.  The things that made college sports beautiful to the fans have been vandalized.

I complete my retirement in a month and had been looking forward to having more time to devote to my passions like Stanford athletics.  That dream is gone.  I won't be renewing my season tickets and I doubt I will go to any games, probably won't bother to watch on TV even.  I just don't care enough to do so.  Too many better alternatives.