Missouri Hires Kellie Harper as Women’s Basketball Coach

Missouri Hires Kellie Harper as Women’s Basketball Coach \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Kellie Harper has been hired as Missouri’s new women’s basketball coach, tasked with rebuilding the struggling program. Harper brings extensive SEC experience and nine NCAA Tournament appearances to the Tigers. Missouri hopes her leadership will restore the program’s competitive legacy.

Missouri Hires Kellie Harper as Women’s Basketball Coach — Quick Looks

• Kellie Harper becomes the fifth women’s basketball coach in Missouri history.
• Harper previously coached Tennessee, leading them to four NCAA Tournament appearances.
• She replaces Robin Pingeton, who stepped down after 13 seasons.
• Harper grew up in Sparta, Tennessee, and played under coaching legend Pat Summitt.
• Her career includes head coaching stints at Western Carolina, NC State, and Missouri State.
• At Tennessee, she reached back-to-back Sweet 16s in 2022 and 2023.
• She was dismissed by Tennessee after a 20-13 season in 2023.
• Harper boasts a 393-260 record and four conference tournament titles as a head coach.
• Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch called Harper a “proven winner and dynamic leader.”
• An official introductory press conference at Mizzou Arena is planned.

Deep Look

The University of Missouri has officially ushered in a new era for its women’s basketball program by hiring veteran coach Kellie Harper, a proven leader with deep Southeastern Conference roots and a championship pedigree. The announcement, made Tuesday by Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch, marks a significant move for a program in search of revitalization after six consecutive years without an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Harper’s arrival comes with high expectations and excitement. A native of Sparta, Tennessee, Harper was an integral part of one of the most iconic dynasties in women’s college basketball history. Under the legendary Pat Summitt, Harper helped the Tennessee Lady Vols secure three consecutive NCAA national championships from 1996 to 1998, playing as the team’s point guard and floor leader. Her playing career at Tennessee not only earned her national accolades but also laid the foundation for a coaching philosophy built on discipline, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

After starting her coaching career as an assistant at Auburn in 2000, Harper took on head coaching roles at Western Carolina, NC State, and Missouri State. Her time at Missouri State was especially notable — she led the Lady Bears to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable Sweet 16 run in 2019, and earned Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors. These achievements helped establish her reputation as a program builder capable of turning teams into competitive forces.

In 2019, Harper was chosen to succeed Holly Warlick as head coach of her alma mater, Tennessee. During her tenure in Knoxville, she guided the Lady Vols to four NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons (the 2020 tournament was canceled due to the pandemic). Her leadership saw Tennessee reach back-to-back Sweet 16s in 2022 and 2023. Despite these successes, Harper’s tenure ended after the 2023 season, following a 20-13 record and a second-round NCAA Tournament loss. The decision to part ways sparked debate in the college basketball community, with many believing that Harper had been making steady progress and deserved more time.

Now, Missouri is offering Harper a fresh opportunity — and the chance to once again prove her ability to rebuild and inspire. “Missouri is a special place, and I know firsthand the passion and pride that surrounds this program,” Harper said in her statement. “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.”

Her predecessor, Robin Pingeton, led the Tigers for 13 seasons, guiding the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances during her tenure. However, the past few seasons saw a decline in performance, and Missouri struggled to compete in the increasingly fierce SEC landscape. Harper’s hiring is seen as a strategic move aimed at restoring competitiveness, boosting recruiting, and creating a culture of sustained success.

Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch expressed strong confidence in Harper’s vision and abilities. “Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader,” 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. We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou women’s basketball under her leadership.”

Harper brings with her an impressive 20-year head coaching career, during which her teams have amassed a combined record of 393-260, nine NCAA Tournament appearances, and four conference tournament titles. She has a reputation for developing players into all-conference talent and building cohesive, disciplined teams. Her teams are known for their tenacious defense, smart playmaking, and strong team chemistry — qualities that Missouri hopes to harness as they reestablish themselves in the competitive SEC.

Beyond the court, Harper is known for fostering a positive culture and connecting with student-athletes on a personal level. Her leadership style is said to reflect the mentorship she received from Pat Summitt — emphasizing accountability, hard work, and excellence both on and off the court.

Missouri’s program is poised to benefit from Harper’s well-established recruiting networks, especially in the Midwest and Southeast regions. Her prior success at Missouri State is expected to play a key role in re-energizing recruiting efforts and building local and regional pipelines that will help Mizzou attract top-tier talent.

The university plans to introduce Harper formally at a press conference at Mizzou Arena, though the date has yet to be announced. Until then, anticipation is building as fans and alumni hope that Harper will restore the program’s competitive spirit and guide the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament.

In her own words, Harper is ready for the challenge: “The foundation is in place for success, and I can’t wait to get started.”

As the SEC continues to evolve as one of the nation’s most competitive women’s basketball conferences, Missouri’s commitment to bringing in an experienced, championship-level coach like Harper sends a clear message: the Tigers are ready to compete, rebuild, and return to the national conversation.

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