Stanford's New Coach Kate Paye Takes the Helm in ACC Debut

Stanford University women's basketball has embarked on a new chapter as Kate Paye takes over as head coach, succeeding Tara VanDerveer, a Hall of Fame figure in the sport. This transition is unique because Paye, who has extensive experience as a coach-in-waiting, has long-standing ties to both the university and VanDerveer, having played under her and won the NCAA title in 1992. The ongoing collaboration between the two women underscores a smooth transition, which is crucial for maintaining program stability. Paye has expressed her desire to establish her own routine while drawing from VanDerveer's legacy. As the season looms, discussions of Kentucky’s performance since the retirements of their respective coaches highlight how challenging succession can be—Tennessee's struggles since Pat Summitt's departure exemplify this difficulty. Paye’s transition comes with the hope that her familiarity with the program and player relationships will lead to continued success for Stanford. The upcoming season not only marks the start of Paye's tenure but also Stanford's debut in the Atlantic Coast Conference, adding a new competitive layer to the challenges ahead. As they prepare for regular practices and games, Paye’s focus now shifts to building her own identity as the head coach, while keeping the program’s illustrious history in mind. Signing Nneka Ogwumike for guidance demonstrates Paye’s strategic approach to fostering a sense of continuity and mentorship within the team.