Kellie Harper Takes the Helm at Missouri: A New Chapter Begins
In a move that has stirred excitement and anticipation, former Tennessee player and coach Kellie Harper has been appointed as the new head coach for the Missouri women’s basketball team. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant moment for the Tigers as they look to revitalize their program under Harper’s leadership.
Harper is no stranger to the Show-Me State, having previously spent six years (2013-19) at Missouri State. During her tenure there, she led the Bears to the Sweet 16 in 2019, a feat that undoubtedly caught the attention of many in the basketball community. Her success at Missouri State paved the way for her to take over the reins at Tennessee, where she replaced Holly Warlick.
While at Tennessee, Harper compiled a record of 108-52 over five seasons, guiding the Lady Vols to the NCAA Sweet 16 twice. However, her journey with Tennessee came to an end after last season when the team finished with a 20-13 overall record and a 10-6 mark in the SEC. The Lady Vols’ season concluded with a second-round exit in the NCAA tournament at the hands of eventual Final Four team NC State.
In a statement, Harper expressed her enthusiasm about returning to Missouri, saying, “Missouri is a special place, and I know firsthand the passion and pride that surrounds this program. Our family is excited to return to the state of Missouri. I look forward to working with our leadership and our student-athletes, building strong relationships throughout the community and winning championships in Columbia. The foundation is in place for success — and I can’t wait to get started.”
Missouri’s athletic director, Laird Veatch, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Harper’s qualifications and her fit for the role. “Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader who understands the ‘Will to Win’ necessary to succeed at the sport’s highest level,” Veatch stated. “She is nationally respected, and her experience in the SEC, her deep ties to the state of Missouri and her ability to recruit and develop championship-level players make her the ideal leader for our program.”
Harper, 47, brings a wealth of experience to Missouri. Her coaching career includes stints at Western Carolina from 2004-2009 and at NC State from 2009-2013. Over her 20-season Division I coaching career, Harper boasts a record of 393-260, translating to a .602 winning percentage, and has made nine NCAA tournament appearances. Most recently, she served as an analyst for the SEC Network, further broadening her perspective on the game.
Harper steps into the shoes of Robin Pingeton, who resigned after 15 seasons at Missouri. Under Pingeton’s leadership, the Tigers went 14-18 overall and 3-13 this past season. Her tenure included four NCAA tournament appearances from 2016-19, a period that coincided with the career of Missouri’s all-time leading scorer, Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham, now a WNBA veteran, is set to join the Indiana Fever this season.
Harper’s roots in Tennessee run deep, as she played point guard for the legendary coach Pat Summitt from 1995-99, winning three national championships with the Lady Vols. Her experience as a player and coach in the SEC, combined with her previous success in Missouri, positions her well to lead the Tigers into a new era.
- Harper’s coaching record: 393-260 (.602 winning percentage)
- Previous head coaching roles: Western Carolina, NC State, Missouri State, Tennessee
- Number of NCAA tournament appearances: 9
As Harper embarks on this new chapter with Missouri, fans and players alike are eager to see how her leadership will shape the future of the Tigers’ women’s basketball program. With her proven track record and deep connections to the state, Harper’s return to Missouri is a homecoming that holds promise for success and growth.
Originally Written by: Michael Voepel
