Stanford’s Storied NCAA Tournament Streak Ends, Ushering in a New Era
The landscape of women’s college basketball has shifted. For the first time in nearly four decades, the Stanford Cardinal will not be participating in the NCAA Tournament. This marks the end of an era, a remarkable 36-year streak of consecutive appearances that stood as a testament to the program’s consistent excellence. Only the University of Tennessee, with its unbroken run since the tournament’s inception in 1982, boasts a longer legacy of participation.
The news reverberates throughout the sport, as Stanford wasn’t merely a participant; it was a cornerstone of the NCAA Tournament. Their history is etched with deep runs, five national championship game appearances resulting in three victories, and an additional ten trips to the Final Four. The Cardinal had become synonymous with success, routinely earning No. 1 or 2 seeds in recent years, a symbol of their dominance.
Despite a late-season surge that saw them win five of their last six regular-season games, the Cardinal’s overall record of 16-13 placed them on the bubble. Their hopes hinged on a strong showing in the ACC tournament, but those aspirations were dashed in the first round with a loss to Clemson.
First-year coach Kate Paye, stepping into the shoes of a legendary predecessor, expressed resolve after the defeat. "We’re not going to let this one game define us or who we are," she stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to growth and future success. While the NCAA Tournament streak is over, Stanford is expected to accept an invitation to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), offering a chance for continued development and competition.
The absence of the Cardinal is not entirely unexpected when considering the significant changes the program has undergone. The retirement of Tara VanDerveer, a coaching icon, marked the end of a chapter. The team also lost its top three scorers and two leading rebounders from the previous year. Cameron Brink, a dominant force, was selected as the No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft. Hannah Jump, a sharpshooting guard, graduated, and Kiki Iriafen, another key contributor, transferred to USC. These three players alone accounted for an astounding average of 47.4 points and 24.8 rebounds per game.
The current Stanford roster features just two seniors, with a significant reliance on youth, including two sophomores and a freshman in the regular starting lineup. Furthermore, the team’s transition to the ACC brought a new set of challenges, including unfamiliar opponents and a more demanding travel schedule.
Other Notable Absences from the Big Dance
Stanford’s absence is not an isolated incident, as several other prominent programs also find themselves on the outside looking in.
Virginia Tech: The Hokies suffered from inconsistent play, losing games they were expected to win. However, the broader issue was that other teams vying for at-large bids also faltered, creating a logjam and squeezing Virginia Tech out.
Richmond: The Spiders were considered a near-lock for the tournament, holding a strong NET ranking of 33. However, their unexpected loss in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament eliminated a potential automatic bid and reduced the number of at-large selections available.
James Madison: The Dukes enjoyed a phenomenal regular season, amassing 28 wins and maintaining an undefeated record in the Sun Belt conference. A heartbreaking overtime loss to Arkansas State in the Sun Belt tournament final shattered their NCAA Tournament dreams.
Minnesota: The Golden Gophers’ season unraveled in the latter stages, and they were unable to regain their momentum. A loss to Washington in the first round of the Big Ten tournament sealed their fate.
Arizona: While some of their losses to teams like Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona look more respectable in retrospect, the Wildcats lacked a signature victory against a top-tier opponent, ultimately hurting their chances.
Iowa State vs Princeton: The article suggests that the committee may have done these two teams a disservice. They are slated to play in the "First Four" round, with the winner having to play Michigan on their home court and close to Notre Dame. In summary, the author suggests that making it to the NIT and dominating may have been a better alternative to the current fate.
The absence of these teams highlights the increasingly competitive landscape of women’s college basketball, where even established programs face challenges and upsets can have significant consequences. The tournament field is more diverse and talented than ever before, making it increasingly difficult to secure a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Stanford’s journey forward will undoubtedly be marked by challenges and opportunities. Coach Paye faces the task of rebuilding the program and developing young talent. The WNIT provides a valuable platform for the team to gain experience, build confidence, and prepare for the future. While the NCAA Tournament streak may be over, the legacy of Stanford women’s basketball remains strong, and the program is poised to embark on a new chapter, driven by a commitment to excellence and a determination to reclaim its place among the nation’s elite. The future of Stanford women’s basketball now rests in the hands of the new coach and a young group of players.
