COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri is ushering in a new era for its women’s basketball program with the hiring of Kellie Harper, a seasoned coach with a commendable track record in collegiate basketball. Announced on March 18, 2025, by Director of Athletics Laird Veatch, Harper's appointment comes after a significant gap following the departure of Robin Pingeton, who led the team for 15 seasons.
At 47 years old, Harper steps into the role as the fifth head coach in program history, taking over at a critical time. Missouri's women's basketball team has not seen NCAA Tournament action since the 2018-19 season, and they finished the recently completed season with a disappointing 14-18 record, including a 3-13 mark in Southeastern Conference play.
“I am incredibly honored to be the next head coach at Mizzou,” Harper stated during a recent press release. “Missouri is a special place, and I know firsthand the passion and pride that surrounds this program. Our family is excited to return to the state of Missouri. I look forward to working with our leadership and our student-athletes, building strong relationships throughout the community and winning championships in Columbia. The foundation is in place for success — and I can’t wait to get started.”
Harper’s resume speaks volumes. Before joining the Tigers, she spent five years at Tennessee where she amassed a formidable 108-52 record. At Tennessee, she made a notable impact by guiding the Lady Volunteers to the NCAA Sweet 16 on two occasions. However, she was let go after the 2023-24 season, despite her team's solid performance of 20 wins and their participation in the NCAA tournament's second round.
Previously, Harper achieved significant accolades during her tenure at Missouri State, where she led the Lady Bears to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a journey to the Sweet 16 in 2019. During her time there from 2013 to 2019, her coaching acumen shone, as she earned the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year honor and established a winning culture.
“Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader who understands the 'Will to Win' necessary to succeed at the sport's highest level,” said Veatch. He added that Harper's deep ties to Missouri and her extensive experience within the SEC make her an ideal candidate for revitalizing the program.
Recognized for her ability to recruit and develop talent, Harper’s track record in the Southeastern Conference puts her in a strong position to attract quality players. While at Tennessee, she successfully trained four future WNBA first-round draft picks, further cementing her reputation as an impactful coach.
Harper's return to Missouri holds personal significance, having previously played at the University of Tennessee under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. During her time as a player, she was instrumental in helping the Lady Vols secure three consecutive national championships from 1996 to 1998.
Outside the court, Harper is known for establishing strong connections with her players, which promises to be vital as the program seeks stability and success following the recent coaching transition. "We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou Women's Basketball under her leadership," Veatch noted, reflecting the optimism at the university.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, just days before the women's basketball transfer portal opens on March 24, 2025. This allows current players a 30-day window to declare their intentions to leave the program, a situation that could impact the Tigers if any significant talent decides to enter the portal.
In her tenure, Harper has built a record of 393 wins against 260 losses throughout her 20-season career as a head coach, showcasing her ability to lead teams to the postseason time and again. She has achieved 16 postseason appearances, including nine NCAA bids, adding weight to her hiring as Mizzou looks to re-establish itself as a significant contender in the SEC.
With her extensive experience and impressive track record, Kellie Harper's arrival at Mizzou represents a fresh start that is not only anticipated by the athletic department but also welcomed by former players and fans alike. The next chapter begins as she prepares to lead the Tigers in hopes of reviving the storied tradition of Mizzou women's basketball.
