The University of Tennessee has fired head basketball coach Kellie Harper following 5 seasons with the women’s program the school announced Monday.
A former player who helped the Lady Vols capture 3 NCAA championships between 1996-1998, Harper amassed a 108-52 record during her time at her alma mater. However after the 6th ranked Volunteers bowed out in the 2nd round to NC State, the school felt as though a change in leadership was best for the program.
“Decisions like these are never easy to make, especially with someone who has done so much for the Lady Vols as a three-time national champion student-athlete,” vice chancellor and director of athletics Danny White said in a statement. “Her love and passion for Tennessee and the Lady Vols is second to none. She has invested so much heart and soul into our program and truly has given her all for Tennessee.”
White indicated that he will seek input from current Lady Vols players, as well as donors and alumni as the school conducts a comprehensive head coach search.
“It has been an honor to serve at my alma mater and to coach a Lady Vol program I love so dearly,” said Harper in a statement of her own. “I am grateful for the opportunity my staff and I have had to lead an amazing group of young women and to mentor them on the court as well as provide them with life skills that will benefit them far beyond the game of basketball.”
Harper took over head coaching duties from Holly Warlick in 2019 following coaching stints at Western Carolina, NC State, and Missouri State. Overall, the 46 year old has amassed a 393-260 career record (.602) since the 2004 season.
Photo: Gamecock Central. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.