Kellie Harper, Former Lady Vol and Three-Time Champion, Takes on New Role in the SEC – a distinguished alumna of the University of Tennessee and a former standout player under the legendary Pat Summitt, is set to return to the SEC as the head coach of the Missouri women’s basketball program..

Kellie Harper, a distinguished alumna of the University of Tennessee and former standout player under the legendary Pat Summitt, has been appointed as the head coach of the University of Missouri’s women’s basketball program. This marks a significant return to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for Harper, bringing her extensive coaching experience and deep-rooted ties to the conference.

Harper’s illustrious playing career at Tennessee from 1995 to 1999 was highlighted by three consecutive NCAA championships. Following her time as a player, she transitioned into coaching, amassing over two decades of experience across various programs. Her coaching journey includes successful stints at Western Carolina, North Carolina State, Missouri State, and most recently, her alma mater, Tennessee. Notably, Harper is one of only two coaches in women’s college basketball history to lead four different programs to the NCAA Tournament. 

During her tenure at Missouri State from 2013 to 2019, Harper revitalized the program, culminating in a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2019. This success led to her appointment as the head coach at Tennessee, where she guided the Lady Vols to consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances. Despite these achievements, Harper departed from Tennessee after the 2024-25 season. 

Harper’s appointment as the fifth head coach in Missouri’s women’s basketball history comes with a five-year contract valued at $4.5 million. In her first season, she is set to earn $850,000, comprising a $300,000 base salary and $550,000 in non-salary compensation, with incremental increases in subsequent years. 

In assembling her coaching staff at Missouri, Harper has added Jennifer Sullivan, a seasoned coach with experience at Missouri State and Florida Atlantic, known for her recruiting acumen. 

Harper’s return to the SEC with Missouri is met with anticipation, as she aims to leverage her experience and leadership to elevate the Tigers’ women’s basketball program within the competitive landscape of the conference.