Columbia News

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics has introduced Kellie Harper as the new head coach for its women's basketball program. The announcement took place at a welcome event in the Mizzou Arena practice gym on Monday morning.

Director of Athletics Laird Veatch described Harper as an experienced leader with a strong background in both coaching and playing at the highest level in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). "Coach Harper is a proven leader. She understands what it takes to win. She knows the standards and expectations that are required to truly build a championship-level program. She's demonstrated a true will to win, not only as a coach, but as a student-athlete at the highest level in the SEC," Veatch said.

Veatch also addressed why this was the right time for such a hire, noting growth in interest around women's basketball nationwide. "This was about seizing a moment. We had an opportunity with what's going on in this country with women's basketball to seize the moment and take advantage of the attendance growth, the viewership growth … all the excitement around women's basketball. So it was the right time for us to make a strategic, but responsible investment in this program."

He emphasized Harper's enthusiasm for coaching and her track record developing top talent: "She [Coach Harper] has an incredible passion for coaching that became very clear from the first conversation. She's ready to jump back in and get after it. She has a real passion for developing young people, especially elite players … she's one of only three coaches all time to produce four straight first-round picks. She knows what it takes to win at the highest level ... She sees the opportunity at Mizzou. From the very beginning, Coach Harper made it clear that she wanted this job. She saw the opportunity to be successful here."

Harper expressed her appreciation during her introduction: "Thank you so much. First off, before I thank anybody, I'm just gonna say 'Y'all'. That's just what I do. Thank y'all for being here, this is amazing. I love to see the passion here for not only this university but for this women's basketball program. Laird, thank you, President Choi, Board of Curators. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to lead this program and am so excited about what is in store."

She commented on recent developments within women’s college basketball: "Women's basketball is having a moment right now. There is a lot of upward trend for women's basketball, and we want to be a part of that. We want there to be an excitement and a buzz around our program and what we are doing."

Regarding her team’s approach moving forward: "So, when you see our team, we're gonna compete with great enthusiasm, great love, great passion…and fans we want you to love this team because, you know what, we're going to give you everything that we have."

On assembling her staff and drawing from past experience: "I played at the University of Tennessee for Pat Summit. Most people who follow women's basketball know that, and one of the things that she always said was 'surround yourself with good people.' She was a great speaker, that was her signature line, and it is so true…It is so true. You can be so much more successful when you're around people that are gonna elevate you, and that is what this staff does."

Harper reflected on returning after some time away from coaching: "It's been really interesting to reflect and have some self-reflection this past year...I enjoyed my time off, but there is just so much about it that I miss...I was able to go back and have a different perspective about what's important and I think that's one reason I'm so fired up about being at Missouri."

She discussed player development: "When you're talking about player development, I think it's important that there's a lot of communication and that you're working together … we have to work together to really develop a plan for your development and your success...My staff is incredible at player development..."

Explaining why she chose Missouri: "I knew right off that it was the right fit...Every box kept getting checked for me … I'm just so happy...Sometimes it's hard to put into words. When you know it's right, it's just right."

Describing her intended playing style: "For us...What are we good at, and let's do it...We're gonna be tough...They better lock-in..."

University System President Mun Choi welcomed Harper by saying: "It is such an honor for me to be here...I am so proud to welcome Coach Kellie Harper as our fifth coach in the history of women's basketball at Missouri..."

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