Stanford Kicks Off New Era Under Kate Paye with Exhibition Against Cal State LA
STANFORD, Calif. – The Stanford Cardinal will make their 2024-25 debut on Wednesday night with an exhibition against Cal State LA at Maples Pavilion. The game will give fans their first look at a Cardinal squad under new head coach Kate Paye, who steps into her role following the legendary Tara VanDerveer’s retirement. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PT, and fans can follow the action via live stats via GoStanford.com or tune in to the radio broadcast by Tim Swartz.
Stanford Roster (2024-25)
- Nunu Agara – Sophomore, Forward
- Shay Ijiwoye – Freshman, Guard
- Talana Lepolo – Junior, Guard
- Chloe Clardy – Sophomore, Guard
- Harper Peterson – Freshman, Forward
- Elena Bosgana – Senior, Guard
- Brooke Demetre – Senior, Forward
- Mary Ashley Stevenson – Sophomore, Forward
- Stavi Papadaki – Junior, Guard
- Lauren Green – Junior, Guard
- Jzaniya Harriel – Redshirt Junior, Guard
- Tess Heal – Junior, Guard
- Courtney Ogden – Sophomore, Forward
- Kennedy Umeh – Freshman, Center
Newcomers
The Cardinal adds a mix of freshmen and transfers this season, all expected to make an impact:
- Shay Ijiwoye – ESPN HoopGurlz No. 53
- Harper Peterson – No. 87 in ESPN HoopGurlz rankings
- Kennedy Umeh – No. 44 in ESPN HoopGurlz rankings
- Tess Heal – Transfer from Santa Clara, 2023 West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year
- Mary Ashley Stevenson – Transfer from Purdue, 2024 Big Ten Media Freshman of the Year
Honoring Tara VanDerveer with Dedicated Court
This season marks the first in 38 years without VanDerveer at the helm. Her legacy will be permanently enshrined at Maples Pavilion with the unveiling of the Tara VanDerveer Court on Sunday, Nov. 10, during Stanford’s game against Gonzaga. VanDerveer, who retired as the all-time winningest coach in NCAA history with 1,216 wins, captured three national championships and 14 Final Four appearances during her storied career. The ceremony will be a tribute to her transformative impact on Stanford and women’s basketball.
Nonconference and ACC Debut Highlights
Stanford’s nonconference schedule features several marquee matchups and a heavy home presence, with eight games in Maples Pavilion. Following the exhibition, the season officially opens at home on Monday, Nov. 4 against Le Moyne. Key dates in nonconference play include:
- Washington State – Nov. 7
- Gonzaga – Nov. 10, coinciding with Tara VanDerveer Court dedication (ESPN2)
- UC Davis – Nov. 13
- Indiana – Road game on Nov. 17
- LSU – SEC/ACC Challenge on Dec. 5 (ESPN2)
- Ohio State – Neutral-site game at Chase Center on Dec. 20 (FS1)
The Cardinal will make its highly anticipated ACC debut after leaving the Pac-12, aiming to establish a strong presence in its new conference.
ACC Schedule Highlights
Stanford’s conference slate will be televised nationally, with notable games including:
- SMU – Jan. 2 on ACC Network
- Clemson – Jan. 5 on ACC Network
- NC State – Jan. 12 on ESPN
- Duke – Jan. 19 on ESPN or ESPN2
- North Carolina – Feb. 2 on The CW
- Notre Dame – Feb. 6 on ESPN
- Louisville – Feb. 9 on ESPN2
With Paye at the helm, the Cardinal is poised to navigate new challenges and opportunities in the ACC, aiming to build on last season’s 30-6 record and return to national contention.
