Kellie Harper, a distinguished alumna of the University of Tennessee and a former standout player under the legendary coach Pat Summitt, is set to return to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as the head coach of the Missouri women’s basketball program. This career milestone marks an exciting chapter in Harper’s journey, as she returns to the SEC, where she enjoyed both player and coaching success, and now aims to bring her leadership, experience, and winning mentality to Mizzou.
Harper’s basketball journey began in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she played under the guidance of Summitt, one of the most successful and respected coaches in college basketball history. As a player, Harper was known for her tenacity, basketball IQ, and leadership skills, qualities that would later define her coaching career. She was an instrumental part of the Lady Vols’ success in the late 1990s, helping the team secure three NCAA championships (1996, 1997, and 1998). Harper’s contributions on the court earned her a spot in the hearts of Lady Vols fans and helped solidify her legacy in Tennessee basketball history.
After her playing career ended, Harper transitioned into coaching, taking what she had learned from Summitt and applying it to her own coaching philosophy. She served as an assistant coach at Western Carolina before securing her first head coaching position at her alma mater, Western Carolina University, in 2007. Harper’s leadership and ability to build successful programs became evident as she turned the Western Carolina program into a contender in the Southern Conference. Her efforts caught the attention of larger programs, and in 2013, Harper took over as the head coach at the University of Arkansas, where she continued to build her reputation as a rising star in women’s college basketball.
In 2019, Harper returned to her home state of Tennessee to become the head coach of the Lady Vols. Under her leadership, Tennessee experienced a resurgence, returning to national prominence and becoming a competitive force in the SEC once again. Despite facing challenges, Harper guided the Lady Vols to the NCAA tournament and consistently improved the program year by year. Her ability to inspire and develop players, along with her deep understanding of the game, was instrumental in Tennessee’s continued success.
Now, with a proven track record of success, Harper embarks on her next challenge as head coach of the University of Missouri women’s basketball team. She returns to the SEC, where she made her name as a player and coach, with a clear vision for the future of Mizzou’s program. Harper’s leadership, passion for the game, and commitment to developing student-athletes are qualities that make her an ideal fit for the Tigers.
Missouri, a program that has shown promise in recent years, is hoping that Harper’s vast experience and success will be the key to unlocking its full potential. With a strong recruiting background, excellent player development, and an unwavering commitment to success, Harper has all the tools necessary to elevate the Tigers’ program and make them a competitive force in the SEC.
In her return to the SEC, Harper will have the chance to face off against some of the nation’s top programs and coaches, including her former coach, Pat Summitt’s successor at Tennessee, Kellie’s old rival, and the University of South Carolina’s legendary Dawn Staley. The competitive landscape of the SEC presents a unique challenge, but one that Harper has proven she is more than capable of overcoming.
Kellie Harper’s return to the SEC is more than just a new job—it is a continuation of a career built on success, leadership, and a passion for women’s basketball. As she takes the reins at Missouri, there is no doubt that Harper will work tirelessly to build a program that honors the tradition of excellence she has always been a part of while making her own mark on the future of Mizzou basketball.
