Recent News: mother of a former Tennessee Lady Vols key player has shared a heartfelt and personal account of what it was like to raise her daughter under the guidance of Coach Kellie Harper

Recent News: mother of a former Tennessee Lady Vols key player has shared a heartfelt and personal account of what it was like to raise her daughter under the guidance of Coach Kellie Harper

The mother of a former Tennessee Lady Vols key player has shared a heartfelt and personal account of what it was like to raise her daughter under the guidance of Coach Kellie Harper. In a recent interview, she reflected on the impact Harper has had not only on her daughter’s athletic development but also on her personal growth.

As a parent, the mother expressed immense gratitude for Coach Harper’s leadership style, which she described as both nurturing and disciplined. “Kellie was always more than just a coach to my daughter,” the mother said. “She was a mentor, a guide, and even a second mother at times. She has an incredible ability to push players to be their best while fostering a supportive and family-like environment.” This approach, she noted, was key to helping her daughter thrive both on and off the court.

Growing up under Coach Harper’s coaching was a transformative experience for her daughter. Harper, who became the head coach of the Lady Vols in 2020, is known for her emphasis on building strong relationships with players while maintaining high standards of excellence. “Kellie is a coach who truly cares about her players as individuals. She invests in them not only as athletes but as people,” the mother said. “It was clear that Coach Harper’s commitment to their growth extended far beyond basketball.”

The mother recounted how her daughter was challenged by Harper to improve her skills and leadership on the court, but also how she was encouraged to develop resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. “One of the most valuable lessons Kellie instilled in my daughter was mental toughness,” the mother explained. “In the tough games and hard practices, Coach Harper never let her quit. She would remind the team that adversity was just an opportunity to grow.”

Harper’s emphasis on teamwork and character-building also resonated deeply with the family. The mother recalled watching her daughter develop meaningful friendships with her teammates, which were fostered by the positive and inclusive culture Harper promoted. “Kellie created an environment where the girls could trust each other and work together toward a common goal. My daughter learned the importance of teamwork and selflessness on the court, and those lessons have stayed with her beyond basketball.”

Beyond the court, the mother noted how Harper’s focus on academics and personal growth helped her daughter prepare for life after college basketball. “Kellie was always mindful of their futures, making sure they stayed on track with their studies and kept their priorities straight,” she said. “She made it clear that basketball was just one part of their lives and that their education and character were just as important.”

As the Lady Vols continue to thrive under Coach Harper’s leadership, the mother’s account serves as a testament to the profound impact a coach can have on the lives of young athletes. Her daughter’s experience, she believes, is one shared by many of Harper’s players—one where they not only develop into exceptional basketball players but also become strong, confident individuals prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.