STANFORD, Calif. — Kate Paye entered the Stanford women’s basketball office one recent Friday, excited after a phone conversation with former star Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm. Upon arrival, she was greeted by WNBA rookie Cameron Brink, another past standout. For Paye, as the first-year head coach of the Cardinal, this atmosphere is a common occurrence, filled with remarkable talent, connections, and a strong sense of belonging. She recognizes that her position offers unique advantages as she succeeds Tara VanDerveer, the legendary coach who has left a significant legacy.
Paye, at 50 years old, stepped into her role after years of preparing as VanDerveer’s protégé, gaining invaluable insights from the NCAA’s all-time winningest coach, both for men and women. The transition was particularly smooth for Paye, as there were no staffing changes, no relocations required for her young family, and she was already familiar with the athletic department. She expressed gratitude for this uncommon situation, acknowledging it as a considerable blessing.
The current season marks not only Paye’s first at the helm but also Stanford’s inaugural participation in the Atlantic Coast Conference, emphasizing the importance of stability within the program. Her coaching staff includes experienced individuals who have played or coached at Stanford – Tempie Brown, Katy Steding, Erica McCall, and Jeanette Pohlen. The team welcomed Heather Oesterle, who began her coaching career with Stanford two decades ago. VanDerveer believes all these elements contribute to a smooth transition, stating that having a familiar environment helps minimize challenges for the players.
In collegiate sports, changes in leadership are not uncommon. Similar transitions have occurred elsewhere, such as Holly Warlick taking over at Tennessee following the untimely departure of the late Pat Summitt due to early-onset Alzheimer’s. There are anticipations about who will fill the role once Geno Auriemma decides to retire from Connecticut. Despite having retired, VanDerveer occasionally visits the gym and maintains regular contact with Paye, who cherishes their friendship and the invaluable guidance she continues to receive.
As summer recruiting wraps up and the regular season approaches, Paye is eager to establish a rhythm that brings consistency to her routine. The team recently traveled to Italy for a series of games, which also allowed for ten beneficial practices aimed at enhancing team cohesion. With various newcomers alongside seasoned veterans, Paye is focused on fostering unity.
Paye expresses modesty about the idea of labeling this period as the “Kate Paye era.” She prefers to envision it as a new chapter in Stanford’s storied basketball history. Meanwhile, the coaching landscape for women’s college basketball continues to shift, showcasing the challenges in replacing iconic leaders like Summitt. Tennessee, once the first program to claim eight national titles under Summitt’s guidance, is navigating new directions with their third head coach since her retirement.
Kellie Harper succeeded Warlick but was let go after striving to bring the Lady Vols back to their former glory. The latest hire, Kim Caldwell, possesses an impressive track record, but she acknowledges the immense legacy of Summitt, aiming to create her own identity while honoring the past.
For Paye, the path to leadership has been one of patience and devotion. Turning down other coaching opportunities, she chose to stay at Stanford, where she feels fortunate and prepared, largely thanks to the mentorship she received from VanDerveer, who retired at 70 after a remarkable 45-year career. With a dedicated team, Paye is ready to dive into the hard work ahead to continue the success of Stanford women’s basketball.