Life’s Work

Michelle Smith

Life’s Work explores how VanDerveer, whose antiquated basketball experience growing up in Western New York was a reflection of the limited opportunities available prior to Title IX, built an elite women’s program upon a foundation of relentless competitiveness and intellectual curiosity.
When she retired in 2024 after nearly four decades at the helm of Stanford women’s basketball, VanDerveer had surpassed both Pat Summitt and Mike Krzyzewski in win count. She’d led the Cardinal to three national championships and 14 Final Fours, and served as head coach for the 1996 USA Olympic Team that was a launching pad for the WNBA.