Early Years & Rise in Women’s College Basketball
Kellie Harper Born May 3 1977 in Sparta, Tennessee, Harper starred as a point guard at the Tennessee Lady Volunteers under Pat Summitt, securing three NCAA titles during her playing career. She transitioned into coaching and built a strong résumé leading programs at Western Carolina, NC State, and Missouri State.
Coaching Milestones & Tennessee Return
In 2019, Harper returned to her alma mater to coach the Lady Vols, where she compiled a 108-52 record, achieved four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and guided her teams to Sweet Sixteen showings. Her tenure reinforced her reputation as a program-builder and recruiter.
However, in April 2024, Tennessee parted ways with Harper after the 2023-24 season. Her departure marked the end of a five-season stint and began a period of transition for both her career and the program.
A Fresh Start: Harper Joins Missouri Tigers
On March 18 2025, Harper was named head coach of the Missouri Tigers women’s basketball team, becoming the fifth coach in program history. This marks a major milestone: Harper is now launching a new era in a Power 5 conference after taking over a program that struggled in recent seasons. SB Nation+2Wikipedia+2
In her new role, Harper has also assembled a staff with strong experience and recruiting ties. Recent commitments and transfers indicate she is building a roster aligned with her vision. Rock M Nation+1
Kim Caldwell: Bringing a New Era to Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball
Coaching Philosophy & Program Vision
Harper emphasizes a culture of charismatic leadership, fast-paced offense, strong defense, and team development. In recent discussions, she spoke of the joy she finds in coaching the Tigers, and how this opportunity excited her. SI+1
She’s clearly focused on both long-term rebuilding and immediate improvement, stressing that roster chemistry and character matter as much as talent.
Latest Updates & What’s Ahead
- Roster Building: Harper’s first recruiting win at Missouri came with the commitment of forward/center Cecilie Brandimore, signaling a serious push in high school and transfer recruiting. Rock M Nation
- Program Outlook: The 2025-26 season opens under her leadership with hopes for a turnaround after Missouri’s recent sub-par record. Harper describes this phase as “a new era” with heightened optimism. Rock M Nation+1
- Staffing Moves: She secured an experienced coaching staff, reinforcing her blueprint for player development and recruiting strength. Rock M Nation
FAQs
Q1. Who is Kellie Harper?
A1. A former championship-winning player and experienced coach, now head coach of Missouri women’s basketball.
Q2. When did she become Missouri’s coach?
A2. She was hired on March 18 2025. SB Nation+1
Q3. What is her coaching record?
A3. Before Missouri, she held a 393-260 record in 20 seasons and led multiple programs to the NCAA Tournament. University of Missouri Athletics+1
Q4. What style does she coach?
A4. Harper advocates fast-paced offense, strong defense, lots of rotation depth, and building a team culture around accountability and joy.
Q5. What’s the significance of her move to Missouri?
A5. It offers a major program in the SEC a chance to reset and for Harper to lead a Power 5 team with full control, representing one of the most notable coaching moves in women’s college basketball in 2025.