Oooof....Marisa Ingemi wrote this piece published today. I thought it may be of interest, so thought it worth posting....

Ex-Stanford players, parents say women's basketball coach created toxic culture

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The disappointing season wasn't solely the fault of the coaching staff. However, two former players and four parents of players who spent the 2025-26 season with the Cardinal allege that Paye has fostered a dysfunctional and toxic environment, in which coaches intimidate and threaten players, and some student-athletes feel "iced out" of practices if they fall on coaches' bad sides.

The two former players allege that Paye conducted "distressing team meetings" throughout the season, like the one that took place following the Miami game. During these meetings, one said, Paye not only threatened to bench players a normal consequence of underperformance in the high-pressure world of Division I athletics but also floated "getting rid of scholarships or refusing to give recommendations for grad school programs."

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It's always difficult to follow a coaching legend...I mean Tara is truly one of the greats, but reading this....I'm pretty shocked really.

CalWSportsFan said:

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Oooof....Marisa Ingemi wrote this piece published today. I thought it may be of interest, so thought it worth posting....

Ex-Stanford players, parents say women's basketball coach created toxic culture

Quote:

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The disappointing season wasn't solely the fault of the coaching staff. However, two former players and four parents of players who spent the 2025-26 season with the Cardinal allege that Paye has fostered a dysfunctional and toxic environment, in which coaches intimidate and threaten players, and some student-athletes feel "iced out" of practices if they fall on coaches' bad sides.

The two former players allege that Paye conducted "distressing team meetings" throughout the season, like the one that took place following the Miami game. During these meetings, one said, Paye not only threatened to bench players a normal consequence of underperformance in the high-pressure world of Division I athletics but also floated "getting rid of scholarships or refusing to give recommendations for grad school programs."

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It's always difficult to follow a coaching legend...I mean Tara is truly one of the greats, but reading this....I'm pretty shocked really.

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Wow!

Is Coach Paye feeling the "pressure" of following a legend? I think so and in a serious way. Perhaps she would have been better off seeking a head coach position at another school.

School administrators should fully investigate that potential "punishment" involving scholarships and grad school recommendations.

Maybe Tara's cardinal virtue as a coach was her exemplary character.

ClayK said:

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Kate Paye has never been known for her charm -- dating back to high school.

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Funny that men in this field aren't ever discussed for their "charm"....

I apologize for the use of "charm" -- how about "Kate Paye has been known to have a somewhat abrasive personality."

Does that pass? Is it better in some way?

Some people are under the misconception that a successful coach has to be rough on players. However there are many great coaches who, while being demanding, got -- or get -- the best out of players by treating them with respect and never demeaning or degrading them. Local examples include Cal legend Pappy Waldorf, Steve Kerr and Tara VanDerveer. Some others: Pat Summit, John Wooden, Joe Torre, Arsene Wegner, Dusty Baker and Dawn Staley. They understood that authority and humiliation are not the same thing. The insecure coach often needs to dominate emotionally. The confident coach doesn't. Plus it's just a much better way for human beings to relate to each other.

ClayK said:

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I apologize for the use of "charm" -- how about "Kate Paye has been known to have a somewhat abrasive personality."

Does that pass? Is it better in some way?

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Wasn't meant as a shot at you...it was a general observation...

I wonder why with seven portal transfers out and these accusations, they are still letting Paye coach the team. Perhaps Tara still supports her and still holds considerable influence. Hope not. This should not be Tara's legacy. In the meantime, we should be able to beat them again this year.