Stanford Cardinal women's basketball

College basketball team

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University	Stanford University
First season
History
All-time record
Athletic director
Head coach	Tara VanDerveer (35th season)
Conference	Pac-12 Conference
Location	Stanford, California
Arena	Maples Pavilion (Capacity: 7,233)
Nickname	Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team represents Stanford University in women's college basketball. The team competes in the Pac-12 Conference and is consistently one of the top programs in the nation. The Cardinal play their home games at Maples Pavilion, located on the Stanford campus in Stanford, California.

History

The Stanford Cardinal women's basketball program began in 1974 and has developed into a national powerhouse under the leadership of head coach Tara VanDerveer, who took over the program in 1985. Under VanDerveer's guidance, the team has won three NCAA Championships (1990, 1992, 2021) and has made numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

Coaching

Tara VanDerveer is one of the most successful coaches in the history of women's college basketball. She has led the team to multiple conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, earning a reputation for her strategic acumen and player development skills.

Championships

The Cardinal have secured three NCAA championships. Their first two titles came in the early 1990s, and their most recent championship was won in 2021. These achievements have cemented their status as one of the elite programs in women's college basketball.

Notable Players

Over the years, Stanford has produced several top-tier players who have gone on to achieve success in professional leagues, including the WNBA, and international competitions. These players have contributed significantly to the team's success during their collegiate careers.

Rivalries

Stanford has developed intense rivalries with other Pac-12 schools, particularly the California Golden Bears and the University of Connecticut Huskies, the latter being one of the top programs in women's basketball. These matchups are often highly competitive and attract large audiences.

Future Prospects

Looking forward, Stanford is poised to remain a dominant force in college basketball with strong recruitment and continued excellent coaching. The program's emphasis on both athletic and academic excellence continues to attract top talent from across the nation.