A renowned graduate of the University of Tennessee and a former standout player under the renowned Pat Summitt, Kellie Harper, a former Lady Vol and three-time champion, is set to return to the SEC as the head coach of the Missouri women’s basketball program…..

Kellie Harper Returns to the SEC as Missouri Women’s Basketball Head Coach

 

Columbia, Mo. – Kellie Harper, a former Lady Vol and three-time national champion under legendary coach Pat Summitt, is returning to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as the new head coach of the Missouri women’s basketball program. Missouri Athletics officially announced the hiring, bringing in Harper to lead the Tigers into a new era of SEC competition.

 

Harper, a University of Tennessee graduate, boasts a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. She played an instrumental role in Tennessee’s dominance in the late 1990s, helping the Lady Vols secure three consecutive national titles from 1996 to 1998. Her success on the court seamlessly transitioned into coaching, where she has built an impressive résumé over more than two decades.

 

Most recently, Harper served as the head coach at Tennessee, where she led her alma mater from 2019 to 2024. Under her leadership, the Lady Vols made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and secured a trip to the Elite Eight in 2022. Prior to that, she had successful coaching stints at Missouri State, North Carolina State, and Western Carolina, consistently proving her ability to build competitive programs.

 

Missouri Athletics Director Desireé Reed-Francois praised Harper’s hiring, emphasizing her championship pedigree, leadership skills, and deep understanding of SEC basketball. “Kellie Harper is a proven winner. Her experience as a player and coach in the SEC, combined with her ability to develop student-athletes, makes her the perfect fit for Missouri,” Reed-Francois stated.

 

Harper inherits a Missouri team that has faced challenges in recent seasons, finishing in the lower half of the SEC standings. Her immediate goal will be to revitalize the program, attract top recruits, and establish Missouri as a conference contender.

 

“I’m excited to join the Missouri family and compete in the SEC once again,” Harper said in a statement. “I believe in this program’s potential, and I’m eager to get to work.”

 

Harper’s return to the SEC marks a significant move for Missouri, as the Tigers aim to rise in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.