Kellie Harper Introduced as Head Women's Basketball Coach
3/31/2025 1:33:00 PM | Women's Basketball
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Department of Athletics welcomed Kellie Harper as the new head coach of the women's basketball program. The following is a transcript of the welcome event held in the Mizzou Arena practice gym on Monday morning.
University of Missouri Director of Athletics Laird Veatch
On the hire of Kellie Harper…
"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."
On the impact of the coaching hire…
"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."
On what Kellie Harper brings to the program…
"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."
University of Missouri Women's Basketball head coach Kellie Harper
Opening statement...
"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."
On the rise of women's 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."
On the mentality of her team...
"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 building her staff...
"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."
On what she learned away from coaching...
"It's been really interesting to reflect and have some self-reflection this past year. It reminded me about what I do love about coaching and one of the things that I miss more than anything, well two things, were interactions with the players and interactions with my staff. I love people. I love fighting for something. I love teaching someone something and seeing them go out and do it. I love challenging a group and watching them figure it out. I love the puzzle we have to figure out as a staff. I love that. I missed it. ... The pace in athletics is crazy, we all know that, so I think I missed a little bit of that as well. 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."
On building relationships...
"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. I'm very familiar with this team. I've played against this team for several years and then was able to watch this team throughout the season, so I feel like I've got a good handle on who they are, but I'm excited about sitting down with each player and discussing where they want to go. My staff is incredible at player development, so we're gonna have a holistic plan- strength, nutrition, just everything to help them be their best."
On why she chose Mizzou...
"I knew right off that it was the right fit. I just felt like the type of players that we're gonna be able to recruit…we're gonna get them here, and we're gonna be successful with them. I think we've got a great core returning, and thrilled to work with them as well ... Every box kept getting checked for me … I'm just so happy. I feel like I'm walking around and I'm just cheesing because I just feel really good about what I know we're gonna be able to do here. Sometimes it's hard to put into words. When you know it's right, it's just right."
On playing style...
"For us, I think there's a couple things I felt we always have done a good job of is taking advantage of our strengths as a team on the court. What are we good at, and let's do it. It's a little bit hard to define that because we are still building a roster, but that is overall how we want to do things. We're gonna be tough. We're gonna enjoy the process. They better lock-in, every day they walk in they better feel good about it, because they can walk right out if they don't. I love what I do and they're not gonna ruin it for me. I already told them that so they're fine. I want our fans to see the passion that our players will have and that will come through with how we play."
University of Missouri System President Mun Choi
Opening remarks...
"It is such an honor for me to be here, and I want to thank our coaches for being here as well. This is a very collaborative, very supportive group, and we thank you for the support of our new coach, Kellie Harper. ... I am so proud to welcome Coach Kellie Harper as our fifth coach in the history of women's basketball at Missouri. I want to welcome you and your entire family to the Tiger Family."
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