Kellie Harper out at Tennessee: What's next for Lady Vols? - ESPN
Tennessee's last two coaches all had long ties to the program. Is it time for the school to go in another direction for its next head coach?
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Kellie Harper out as Tennessee women's basketball coach
Kellie Harper is a former professional basketball player and current head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols women's basketball team.
Harper was born on May 3, 1977, in Sparta, Tennessee.
She played college basketball at the University of Tennessee from 1995 to 1999, where she was a point guard and helped lead the Lady Vols to three consecutive NCAA National Championships.
After college, Harper played professionally in the WNBA for the Indiana Fever and the Cleveland Rockers.
Harper began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Auburn University in 2000 before becoming the head coach at Western Carolina University in 2004.
Harper has also served as the head coach at North Carolina State University and Missouri State University before returning to Tennessee as the head coach in 2019.
In her first season as head coach of the Lady Vols, Harper led the team to a 21-10 record and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Harper is known for her emphasis on defense and discipline on the court, as well as her ability to develop and mentor players.
Harper is married to Jon Harper, who is also a former professional basketball player and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Lady Vols.
In addition to her coaching duties, Harper is actively involved in community service and charitable efforts, including serving on the board of directors for the Pat Summitt Foundation.