University of Missouri Athletics Director Laird Veatch has named Kellie Harper as the new head coach of Mizzou women’s basketball. Harper brings an impressive track record, having led teams to 16 postseason appearances in her 20 seasons as a Division I head coach, including nine NCAA Tournament appearances. She most recently served as head coach at Tennessee from 2019 to 2024, following a successful tenure at Missouri State.
Harper, a native of Sparta, Tennessee, returns to Missouri with a strong coaching resume that includes guiding her teams to a 393-260 record overall and nine NCAA Tournament berths. At Tennessee, she led the Lady Volunteers to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and compiled a 108-52 record, showcasing her prowess in the highly competitive SEC.
Before her time at Tennessee, Harper made a significant impact at Missouri State, leading the Lady Bears to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable run to the Sweet 16 in 2018-19. Her achievements include Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championships and multiple postseason berths throughout her coaching career.