Thank You Stanford Parents!

Two weeks ago many of us were glued to the WNBA Finals watching the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Minnesota Lynx. The game was one for the ages, going back and forth with one big shot after another. The biggest shot, the game winner, was scored with seconds on the clock by Stanford's own and the league's MVP, Nneka Ogwumike, '12! No one was happier or prouder of Nneka than our staff and me. 
 
One of the best moments was watching Nneka hug her mom and dad, Ify and Peter.  After seeing them on TV, I called Peter to share my enthusiasm and congratulations. Peter was very excited and told me "Tara, thank you. You and your coaches helped Nneka build her foundation." I said, "Peter, you and Ify are the foundation. We are happy to be on the second floor and in the house!!!"
 
Throughout my career my coaches and I have always tried to "team up" with parents to help our young student-athletes mature and grow. This conversation with Peter reminded me of so many great moments our staff and team have shared with our Stanford parents. 
 
Just this past April, our staff attended Jayne Appel's, '10, wedding at Stanford Memorial Church. It was a beautiful ceremony attended by many former players and parents. At the reception, Joe Appel gave a wonderful speech about Jayne including how much he enjoyed being part of her Stanford basketball experience.
 
Lindy La Rocque, '12, was a bridesmaid at Jayne's wedding. Earlier in the week, Lindy's parents Bev and Al came by the office to visit. They continue to come to Stanford games every year even though Lindy has graduated. 
 
We also got to catch up with Cindy Pohlen, mother of All-American point guard Jeanette Pohlen Mavunga, '11. Cindy rarely misses a game when we play in southern California. She brings delicious brownies and chocolate dipped strawberries for our team. On my recruiting visit to the Pohlen home, the late John Pohlen told me, "Tara you are not just getting a basketball player (Jeanette), you are getting the whole Pohlen family." One of John's last Thanksgiving dinners was with our team. How we miss you John!
 
When Candice Wiggins, '08, decided to retire this spring, she and her mom Angela called me to let me know before it was announced. It was a very emotional conversation. Both Candice and Angela expressed such appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to play at Stanford and for me. I was truly touched.
 
Over the years so many parents have kept in touch with holiday cards or in the case of Jodi Enghusen, proud mom of Cori Enghusen, '02, a holiday wreath every year! When our team plays around the country, the Rappahahns, Harmons, Atkins, Flores, Starbirds, Freuens, Owens, Kings and many more parents of former players are sporting Cardinal red in the stands!
 
Some of my best friends are proud Stanford parents! Teresa Bergin, mom of Clare Bodensteiner, '07, lives in my neighborhood. She joins me for dog walks! Teresa has visited my family's summer home in New York where I took her sailing. I've also gone sailing, kayaking, biking, paddle boarding and waterskiing, with Gary and Kathy King, parents of Susan King Borchardt, '05! Over the past 10 summers we have gotten together for fun weekends.  
 
Thank you Peter and Ify Ogwumike for reminding me of all the wonderful parents and families I have gotten to know through coaching at Stanford. Thank you future, current and past Stanford parents for your support and loyalty. Like Nneka, our current players and staff are working really hard and always want to make you proud!