Tennessee announced on Monday that Kellie Harper has been relieved of her duties as the Lady Vols coach after five seasons. The decision came after a comprehensive evaluation of the women's basketball program, as stated by athletic director Danny White.
White acknowledged Harper's significant contributions to the Lady Vols, highlighting her achievements as a three-time national champion student-athlete. Despite Harper's coaching tenure resulting in a 108-52 record, including 53-24 in SEC play, the university opted for a change to uphold the program's high standards.
Harper, who had led the Lady Vols to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in the past two seasons, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at her alma mater. She emphasized the importance of mentoring the players both on and off the court.
Following Harper's departure, Tennessee is now focused on finding a new leader for the women's basketball program. With a rich history that includes eight national championships, the Lady Vols are determined to return to their former glory.
Harper, with a coaching record of 393-260 over 20 years, had faced challenges this season due to injuries impacting key players. Despite these setbacks, the Lady Vols managed to finish third in the SEC for four consecutive seasons and reached the SEC Tournament championship game in 2023.
This coaching change marks the second in the SEC this offseason, with Kentucky also parting ways with their coach. The university is now set to embark on an aggressive search for a new coach to lead the Lady Vols back to national prominence.
As the women's basketball program at Tennessee undergoes a transition, the university remains committed to upholding its legacy and pursuing excellence on the court.
