WSF Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching
Forecasted
WSF Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching supports women collegiate coaches through fellowships, mentorship, and professional development to advance women in coaching.
Funder: Women's Sports Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $17,500 per institution: $15,000 for Fellow support plus $2,500 for professional development; 10-month fellowship
Summary: Supports the advancement of women in collegiate coaching through institution-sponsored fellowships, mentorship, networking, and professional development.
Key Information: Individuals cannot apply directly; an approved college or university representative must submit the application.
Description
Administered by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), this fund honors Stanford women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer by investing in women coaches across collegiate sports. It addresses the decline in women’s representation in college coaching since Title IX, including the particularly low representation of BIPOC women. Supported by private and public donations, the program funds institutions committed to advancing women in coaching.
The 10-month fellowship combines financial support with mentorship, professional development, and networking. Fellows may work in sports ranging from basketball and volleyball to water polo and fencing. Alongside institution-supported opportunities, WSF provides monthly meetings with Fellows and Mentor Coaches, coaching and leadership speakers, a book club, and participation in its Annual Salute to Women in Sports in New York City.
