Tennessee dismisses Kellie Harper from her position as the women’s basketball coach.
On April 1, the University of Tennessee terminated Kellie Harper from her position as the women’s basketball coach following five seasons leading the Lady Volunteers program. The decision followed the team’s loss to North Carolina State in the second round of the NCAA tournament, concluding the 2023-24 season with a 20-13 record.
Athletics director Danny White stated, “After a thorough review of our women’s basketball program, I have informed Kellie we are making a change in leadership,” acknowledging the difficulty of such decisions despite Harper’s contributions as a three-time national champion student-athlete for the Lady Vols.
White announced an immediate nationwide search for Harper’s replacement.
During her tenure, Harper achieved a 108-52 record (53-24 in conference play), succeeding Holly Warlick in 2019. However, she fell short of advancing the Lady Vols past the Sweet 16 round in the NCAA tournament or securing a Southeastern Conference title.
Harper, who played as the starting point guard under legendary coach Pat Summitt during Tennessee’s dominant era in the 1990s, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at her alma mater and to coach a program she deeply cares about. She emphasized the honor of mentoring young women both on and off the court.
