Not a surprise, but definitely shocked and a bit heartbroken. TVD was such a huge advocate for women’s basketball, but especially for West Coast hoops. East Coast bias really is a thing and she did her best to bring up not just Stanford but all of West Coast basketball.
Her legacy is much more than the number of wins. For those who say she isn’t the GOAT are just looking at the numbers - her influence and impact went beyond that. It’s more what happens when no one is looking when you start to understand why she is revered so much by colleagues, fans, players and opponents.
I know UConn fans and TVD got off on the wrong foot (and for good reason, mind you, hah) back in 1995, but I hope in time many saw her for what she really was: someone who was a women’s basketball fan at heart, whose passion for the game was pure and just wanted what was best for the sport and not just her teams. She was someone who went out of her way to impact people, mentor them, teach them.
One of my favorite stories I learned today was back in 2010, after Stanford destroyed South Carolina, Staley asked TVD to give a pep talk to her team. She did it for the students, but she also did it to set an example to coaches on how they should act and respect opposing coaches. Stories like this have started trickling out and it’s fun and sad to read.
Yes, Geno will break the all-time wins record (deservedly so) later this year, but if you really know, understand and appreciate women’s basketball and it’s history, you’ll know TVD’s impact is more than just how many wins or national titles she has won.
Congrats on a fabulous career at Stanford.