STANFORD – Even while far from Stanford’s pristine Bay Area campus, Tara VanDerveer keeps herself busy on vacation.
The legendary former Cardinal women’s basketball coach water skis in the morning, creates lesson plans for her upcoming class at Stanford, and keeps an eye on her new yellow Labrador as the puppy frolics along the lakeside.
But come 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, nothing will keep VanDerveer from finding a television to watch her former player, Cameron Brink, play against the hometown Valkyries for the first time.
The 6-foot-5 post will play in just her fourth game since coming back from a devastating knee injury that cut her rookie year short after just 15 games.
“It was devastating to see her get hurt, and I’m so excited that she’s back,” VanDerveer, 72, told the Bay Area News Group this week. “I’m just so excited that she’s healthy, and you know, knock on wood, I just want her to be healthy the rest of her career.”
Now that Brink is back on the court, she has the chance to fulfill her potential.
“She was obviously one of the very best in college, and I think that as she matures as a pro player, and she gets the experience as a pro player, I think Cam has an unlimited, high ceiling,” VanDerveer said.
Sparks forward Cameron Brink is introduced before during a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Yes, in a world where A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier reign in the frontcourt, and Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers light it up as guards, Brink’s unique blend of athleticism, defensive aptitude and shot-making reminds VanDerveer of another all-time great Spark in Lisa Leslie.
And if Leslie is her pro comp, then that means Brink’s ceiling is, well …
“It’s not about being a top WNBA defensive player,” VanDerveer said. “It’s about being the top player, period.”
Brink entered the WNBA with much fanfare as the No. 2 pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA draft, and there is no mystery as to why.
The high-impact center was an integral piece of Stanford’s 2020-21 national championship squad and finished her career on The Farm as one of the greatest players in the history of VanDerveer’s storied program.
As a rookie, Brink appeared to be well on her way to becoming a star when she tore her ACL and meniscus in her left knee. As the former Cardinal rehabbed, VanDerveer gave sound advice to her former protege.
“Listen to (former Stanford athlete and current trainer) Susan King Borchardt, because Susan knows what to do,” VanDerveer told Brink.
Injuries were not enough to keep a rehabbing Brink, one of 34 Stanford alumni to make it to the WNBA, out of the spotlight.
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Clips from her “Straight to Cam” podcast with Steph Curry’s sister Sydell Curry-Lee regularly go viral, and Brink still had endorsements with Stanley, Topps, and various fashion brands.
Her college coach, who finished her run at Stanford with a then-record 1,157 victories, believes it might be wise for Brink to cut back on those other obligations as her basketball career is restarted.
“Maybe when you’re hurt, you can do all the interviews and podcasts and photoshoots,” VanDerveer said. “But a lot of her success will be based on her ability to be very focused on basketball. At the highest level, you can’t burn the candle out on both ends. You’ve got to take care of your body, get a lot of rest, eat right.”
VanDerveer is confident that Brink will do just that.
“She’s incredibly talented, and even though she lacks pro experience, she’s fearless,” VanDerveer said.
Former longtime Stanford Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer, center, cheers with former Stanford player Cameron Brink, top left, during their NCAA game against Le Moyne at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
