Tara VanDerveer has been named a recipient of the 2026 Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Basketball Award, as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club (ATOC) on Tuesday. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the sport.
VanDerveer was chosen for this honor by the ATOC’s Board of Directors, alongside men’s head coach Tubby Smith. Both will be formally recognized at the 2026 NCAA Final Four.
Eric Oberman, president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club, stated, “The Naismith Award annually recognizes those who have left a meaningful legacy on both athletes and supporters, genuinely representing what basketball stands for. We’re honored to celebrate Tara and Tubby, who devoted themselves to building and elevating the sport. Earning a Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year award is outstanding, but receiving acknowledgment years later for your enduring legacy is truly remarkable.”
Established in 1982, the Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Basketball Award is given each year to individuals whose dedication has produced significant and lasting benefits for basketball. Recipients are recognized for their strong moral character, principles, and distinguished conduct while advancing the sport’s development.
VanDerveer commented on receiving the award: “It is an honor to receive the Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Basketball Award alongside Coach Smith, and I’d like to thank The Atlanta Tipoff Club for this recognition. On court success comes from having great players, fantastic assistant coaches, and supportive administrations all working together to achieve a common goal. But the most meaningful part of my career has been the relationships formed that go well beyond basketball. I’ve always strived to grow the game and leave a legacy that is more than just a coaching record. To be recognized for exactly that sort of impact with this award is very special.”
