Kellie Harper Named Head Coach of Missouri Women's Basketball

The former Tennessee coach and SEC Network analyst takes over a program seeking to end a six-year NCAA Tournament drought.

Kellie Harper, with 20 years of Division I coaching experience and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, has been hired to lead Missouri's women's basketball program.
Harper replaces Robin Pingeton, who stepped down after 13 seasons, during which Missouri reached the NCAA Tournament four times but struggled in recent years.
Missouri has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2019 and is looking to rebuild under Harper's leadership, leveraging her SEC ties and proven track record.
Harper, a three-time national champion as a player at Tennessee, expressed enthusiasm for returning to Missouri, where she previously coached at Missouri State.
Missouri's athletic director, Laird Veatch, emphasized Harper's experience, leadership, and ability to recruit and develop players as key factors in her selection.