Shooting from the Outside

This is a fun and easy read for any fan of the women's game, centered around the pivotal 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team, which in many ways marked a turning point in establishing the foundation upon which the modern game is built. But not only does this book offer a wonderful historical perspective, and some great stories and inside anecdotes on many top players past and present, it also provides insight into the mind of one of the college game's top coaches. Even for those close to Stanford basketball, Tara Vanderveer is a very private inividual. That's why I found this book especially helpful in providing a better understanding of her personal history, philosophy toward the game, how she feels it should be played, and how that all filters down to the teams she puts on the floor today. Because Tara is often softspoken in public and not one to actively seek the limelight or TV cameras like some of the other big names in her profession, there may be a tendency by some to think she is more of a hands-off coach. And despite the occasional glare from the sideline, a calm and quiet presence. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book does a good job of uncovering the intensity that boils deep inside and her unbending desire to win.

I confess that I have been a fan of Tara Vanderveer for nearly 10 years. I think I understand that basketball is a very major part of her life. She likes Bob Knight, sheesh. This book was a very easy read even though you already know how it will end. When you finish the book you might feel like you want to see if the players saw everything the same way. Well, this is her point of view.

I thoroughly enjoyed this in-depth view of Tara's work with the Women's National (Olympic) team of 1996. The team was a masterpiece, and being able to see it thru the eyes of its coach was really something special. It gave me great insight into Tara and her drive and dedication to the sport and to the team. A great book!!

A great story! The story of the 1996 US Women's Olympic Basketball Team from the coach's point of view. Tara gives a great overview of the Olympic team from their first tryout to the Gold Medal game in Atlanta. Its filled with information that helps you get to know and love the team and its coaches. It also helped me realize some of the inequities that women athletes must face in achieving their goals. Tara clearly gets this point across to the reader without sounding like she's on a feminist mission to champion women's athleteics. This is a must-read book!

An insightful look at the making of a champion. Issues like Title IV and gendre inequities examined in a thoughful yet passionate fashion. The author relates Her own struggle and eventual triumph without pointing fingers and assessing blame.It was a pleasure to read a story that states why rather than why not.Enjoyable and thought provoking.A must read