History of Kellie Harper in Timeline
Kellie Jolly Harper is an American basketball coach who currently leads the Tennessee Volunteers women's basketball team. Her coaching career includes head coaching positions at Western Carolina, NC State, and Missouri State before taking the helm at Tennessee. Harper's extensive coaching experience highlights her dedication and expertise in women's basketball.
May 3, 1977: Kellie Jolly Harper Born
On May 3, 1977, Kellie Jolly Harper was born. She is an American basketball coach.
1994: First Since Cheryl Burnett
In 2019, Kellie Harper was voted the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year, becoming the first Missouri State coach to win the award since Cheryl Burnett in 1994.
1996: NCAA National Championship
In 1996, Kellie Jolly Harper began her streak as one of the starting point guards for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, winning three consecutive NCAA women's national championships.
1997: Final Four All Tournament Team
In 1997, Kellie Jolly Harper was named to the Final Four All Tournament team.
1998: NCAA National Championship
In 1998, Kellie Jolly Harper concluded her streak as one of the starting point guards for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, winning three consecutive NCAA women's national championships.
1999: Marriage to Jon Harper
In 1999, Kellie Harper married Jon Harper, who was a member of her coaching staff at various institutions.
January 28, 2008: Second Winningest Coach
On January 28, 2008, Kellie Harper achieved her 66th win, surpassing Beth Dunkenberger as the second-winningest women's basketball coach in Western Carolina history.
March 26, 2013: Fired from NC State
On March 26, 2013, Kellie Harper was fired from her position as head coach at NC State after compiling a 70-64 record over four years.
April 10, 2013: Named Head Coach of Missouri State
On April 10, 2013, Kellie Harper was appointed as the head coach of the Missouri State Lady Bears.
2014: Consecutive Top-Three Finishes
Starting with the 2014–15 season, Kellie Harper led the Missouri State Lady Bears to five consecutive top-three finishes in the Missouri Valley Conference.
2016: NCAA Tournament Berth
In 2016, Kellie Harper coached the Missouri State Lady Bears to a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
2018: Lady Bears Regular Season
In 2018, the Lady Bears finished the regular season 20-9 (16-2 MVC).
April 8, 2019: Hired by Tennessee
On April 8, 2019, Kellie Harper was hired as the next coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.
2019: NCAA Tournament Berth
In 2019, Kellie Harper led the Missouri State Lady Bears to another berth in the NCAA Tournament.
2019: Kay Yow Coach of the Year
In 2019, Kellie Harper was named the Kay Yow Coach of the Year award winner.
2021: Second Season Record
In Kellie Harper's second season as head coach, in 2021, she led the Volunteers to a 17–8 record that ended with a loss to Michigan in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
April 1, 2024: Kellie Harper Fired
On April 1, 2024, Kellie Harper was fired as the Tennessee head coach.
2024: SEC Network Analyst
Following her firing from Tennessee, in 2024, Kellie Harper served as a women's basketball analyst on the SEC Network for the 2024–25 season and provided analysis at the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament.
March 18, 2025: Hired by the Missouri Tigers
On March 18, 2025, reports surfaced that Kellie Harper was being hired by the Missouri Tigers.
