Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer became the winningest coach in Division I women’s basketball on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020 when her Cardinal defeated Pacific, 104-61. VanDerveer surpassed the late Pat Summit for most all-time victories in DI women’s basketball history with win No. 1,099.
VanDerveer and her program ended up winning the national championship that 2020-21 season. She remained the Cardinal’s coach through the 2023-24 campaign, retiring with 1,216 career wins.
* = Active as of 2024-2025 season
| Rank | Coach | Seasons | Wins | Losses | WL % | School(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tara VanDerveer | 45 | 1,216 | 271 | .818 | Stanford (1996-97 – 2023-24); Stanford (1985-86 – 1994-95); Ohio St. (1980-81 – 1984-85); Idaho (1978-79 – 1979-80) |
| 2 | Geno Auriemma* | 39 | 1,213 | 162 | .882 | UConn (1985-86 – present) |
| 3 | Pat Summit | 38 | 1,098 | 208 | .841 | Tennessee (1974-75 – 2011-12) |
| 4 | Barbara Stevens | 43 | 1,058 | 291 | .784 | Bentley (1986-87 – 2019-20); Massachusetts (1983-84 – 1985-86); Clark (MA)… |
