STANFORD, Calif. – Lindy La Rocque, who played in four Final Fours with the Cardinal from 2009-12, has returned to Stanford as an assistant coach Setsuko Ishiyama Director of Women's Basketball Tara VanDerveer announced Monday.
"Having the opportunity to come back to Stanford is a dream come true," La Rocque said. "I am thankful to Tara and the entire staff for the mentorship and guidance they have provided me throughout my basketball journey, both as a player and coach, and am honored to be able to work alongside them. It's pretty unbelievable. I can't wait to get to work!"
La Rocque is coming off two seasons as an assistant coach at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., helping the Bruins to a pair of NCAA Tournament berths, the program's first since 2007. Belmont went 51-15 overall and 29-3 in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) action with La Rocque on the bench, winning the conference regular-season championship in 2016-17 and the league's tournament title both two seasons.
La Rocque specialized primarily with the development of the Bruins' guards. During her two years in Nashville, Belmont was ninth nationally in assists per game (17.6) and 16th in assist to turnover ratio (1.25). The Bruins were also ninth in the country in 3-point field goal percentage (.373) and 17th in points per game (76.2).
"We are ecstatic that Lindy is back," VanDerveer added. "She worked extremely hard and was a very intelligent player and has continued to display those traits as a coach. Those characteristics along with her enthusiasm will add a lot to our program."
La Rocque will work mainly with the Cardinal's perimeter players alongside Harry K. and Ida S. Berland Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach Kate Paye, another Stanford alumna.
"Stanford is a special place and Lindy loves it here," VanDerveer said. "That helps make for a seamless transition. We're coming off a great season and want to keep improving and moving forward in a positive direction. Lindy will absolutely help us do that."
Prior to joining the Belmont staff, La Rocque spent two years as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma while pursuing her master's in education. Her hire fills the position on staff made available when Amy Tucker announced her retirement from coaching late last week.
La Rocque played in 138 career games for Stanford, the eighth most in program history. She was instrumental in helping the Cardinal compile a 137-12 record during her four years, including a 71-1 mark in conference. Stanford appeared in the Final Four each season during her undergraduate career and advanced to the national title game in 2010.