Mizzou hires Kellie Harper as next women’s basketball coach

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KCTV) - The University of Missouri has a new women’s basketball coach.

Athletic Director Laird Veatch announced Tuesday that former Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper is the fifth coach in Mizzou women’s basketball history.

In 20 seasons as a head coach, the 47-year-old Harper has made the NCAA Tournament nine times.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kellie Harper and her family to Mizzou,” Veatch said Tuesday in a release. “Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader who understands the ‘will to win’ necessary to succeed at the sport’s highest level.”

Veatch pointed to Harper’s experience at Tennessee -- where she coached from 2019-2024 -- as another reason for bringing her into another SEC coaching gig.

“I am incredibly honored to be the next head coach at Mizzou,” Harper said. “Missouri is a special place, and I know firsthand the passion and pride that surrounds this program.”

Harper has experience in the Show-Me State, coaching at Missouri State from 2013-19 before her time at Tennessee. She’s also been the head coach at North Carolina State (2009-13) and Western Carolina (2004-09).

She has a 393-260 record in 20 seasons as a head coach and led teams to four conference tournament championships. Twice during her time at Tennessee she led the Volunteers to a Sweet 16.

The last three coaches in Missouri women’s basketball history have coached the Tigers for at least 12 seasons.

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