The Stanford Cardinals have been ranked number 2 in the NCAA Division 1 standings released February 28.
They have an impressive 26-2 record tying with Baylor. Stanford has always been known for producing top athletes such as Candace Wiggins and Nicole Powell, and with this current class we can add three more to that list.
The Season Thus Far
The Cardinals have had a very successful season. After an easy win over Oregon on February 26, the Cardinals won their 11th straight Pac-10 title in a row and 20th overall in 25 years of Pac-10 women’s basketball.
This win also marked the 60th consecutive win at home and 54 straight wins against Pac-10 opponents. Stanford has also won their sixth perfect conference season record at 18-0. Rivals with Connecticut, Stanford dealt them their first loss in 90 games, breaking their record breaking 90 game win streak.
Stanford is unique in that it truly is played as a team game. While there are usually two to three standout per game, that is always changing. Stanford has a powerful bench and includes all players to achieve a win.
About The Team
Stanford is lead by head coach Tara VanDerveer and her tenure with this program is shown in her accomplishments over the years. In 2002, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
She is tied for fifth all-time wins with 793 and if her team manages to win 7 more games, she will be the fifth women’s basketball coach at any NCAA level to reach the 800-win mark. She has won two NCAA championships, 18 Pac-10 titles and 22 trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Needless to say, VanDerveer knows how to win and continues to lead her team into battle. On the forefront of the team are three players: Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Kayla Pedersen, and Jeanette Pohlen.
These three women are also tri-captains of the team and their leadership can be felt on the court. Ogwumike is currently the leader in scoring and field-goal percentage for the Cardinals and second in rebounding. She’s had six double-doubles and leads the team in double-figure scoring and 20-point games.
In addition to this, Ogwumike is up for three major awards including the Wade Trophy, the John R. Wooden Award, and the Naismith Trophy. Pedersen is the leading rebounder and only Cardinal to be in the team’s top three for scoring, rebounding, and assists. She has six double-doubles and is Stanford’s all-time leader in minutes.
Pedersen is also 95 rebounds behind the Pac-10’s all-time leader. Pohlen ranks in the top of the Pac-10 in scoring, 3-pointers made, 3-point field goal percentage and assists. It was her 31-point game against Connecticut that helped to end their 90 game winning streak.
About The University
Stanford University has seven schools of education ranging from business to earth sciences to medicine. The diversity of the schools adds to the unique environment that is Stanford. This university is recognized as one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions. Not only does Stanford boast a great women’s basketball program, it also boasts a competitive educational program.
Stanford University is not only known for its athletics but also its schools of education. Three stand out Cardinals help push this team to win after win with the guidance of their experienced coach. Many more exciting things can be expected from this team and their performance in the NCAA Tournament.
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