Coach Kellie Harper

[VolsAgainstTheWorld15]

Regardless of the tradition here, why would a 17-18 year-old want to come play here with fans who scrutinize a players every decision on the court when they themselves don't have a D-I bone in their body, yet feel the need to critique ACTUAL D-I athletes? We can't make this stuff up. If you actually LISTEN to the athletes who do decide to come here, one of the reasons is the fans. So to think that this site has no bearing on the recruiting results is fools gold. Stop being a part of the problem and learn to follow that old saying of if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all! I hope the ones on here being so negative, has a boss that is just as critical for the rest of their working career/life. Let's see how you like it.

Yes. Everyone just shut your yaps and be happy with the product on the floor. How dare people voice any displeasure with the current state of the program…most of the people on her critiquing the current state of the program aren’t scrutinizing the players. They are criticizing the coach who is getting paid big money. Getting paid seven figures opens one up to criticism and rightfully so.

Are some of those criticisms unreasonable? Probably so. But fans that care about the program aren’t going to be mindless zombies who quietly get in line to accept a product that isn’t up to par historically speaking. Fan = fanatic. Fanatics aren’t always reasonable when they’re displeased. This fanbase is not alone in that.

Very odd comment about hoping people have a critical boss. Most bosses who care about the performance of his/her company/department do provide feedback to his/her employees when needed. Playing make believe and pretending that average to below average job performance is just fine will never elevate performance in any line of work. While her job is not at all in jeopardy, I’m sure Danny has given Kellie honest feedback on her performance. News flash: it’s not good enough.

With all of that being said, CKH will be back next season. I hope she scoops up some really good players in the portal and has a great 2024-2025 season. It would be great for one of our own to get this program back to a championship level. But you can’t expect people to shut up and not express dissatisfaction over what has been a hugely disappointing season. Better that folks express displeasure on here than on X, Instagram, or Facebook.

 

[Deebowbear]

I’m not sure what you mean by that. If you’re trying to be nasty or what, but if you listen to the podcast that was the context of the statement- “she’s not competitive” when you look at the state of the program and what it’s producing nationally. That’s not a swipe at her, just an honest fact about the state of the program.

Some people just can not handle the dang truth unreal

 

[harrisonvol]

Not sure they'd be willing to hire a young, dynamic male coach who didn't play for or coach with Pat, but your next coach could be right down the road in Chattanooga:

Shawn Poppie - Head Coach - Women's Basketball Coaches - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics

In his first season as the head coach of the Mocs women’s basketball team, Shawn Poppie took his team to the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The Mocs beat Furman, ETSU and

gomocs.com

They were 7-23 when Poppie took over two years ago. This year they are 28-4, Southern Conference regular season and tournament champions, and headed to the Dance.

 

[Coach Jumper]

There are several lovers of the coach more than lovers of the program here. The coaches get paid big money to win....recruit....and not be 12-35 against ranked teams over 5 years at a place like the University of Tennessee....It's not hard to figure out who the lovers of the coach are.

@Tnphil what am I ,, to you

 

[knoxvol52]

There are several lovers of the coach more than lovers of the program here. The coaches get paid big money to win....recruit....and not be 12-35 against ranked teams over 5 years at a place like the University of Tennessee....It's not hard to figure out who the lovers of the coach are.

Well honestly, I'm a lover in general. That's what I been told ..

 

[MicCheck12]

Yes. Everyone just shut your yaps and be happy with the product on the floor. How dare people voice any displeasure with the current state of the program…most of the people on her critiquing the current state of the program aren’t scrutinizing the players. They are criticizing the coach who is getting paid big money. Getting paid seven figures opens one up to criticism and rightfully so.

Are some of those criticisms unreasonable? Probably so. But fans that care about the program aren’t going to be mindless zombies who quietly get in line to accept a product that isn’t up to par historically speaking. Fan = fanatic. Fanatics aren’t always reasonable when they’re displeased. This fanbase is not alone in that.

Very odd comment about hoping people have a critical boss. Most bosses who care about the performance of his/her company/department do provide feedback to his/her employees when needed. Playing make believe and pretending that average to below average job performance is just fine will never elevate performance in any line of work. While her job is not at all in jeopardy, I’m sure Danny has given Kellie honest feedback on her performance. News flash: it’s not good enough.

With all of that being said, CKH will be back next season. I hope she scoops up some really good players in the portal and has a great 2024-2025 season. It would be great for one of our own to get this program back to a championship level. But you can’t expect people to shut up and not express dissatisfaction over what has been a hugely disappointing season. Better that folks express displeasure on here than on X, Instagram, or Facebook.

I'm talking about a boss that is not providing feedback, but is criticizing every little thing they do like they do these players every second of every game played. Feedback and criticism are two different things I'm sure you know that. However, you make a great point about being critical of the coach. Notice, I didn't say anything about critiques for Kellie because she is paid and it comes with the territory. However, the players (which I did mention) should be given feedback and nothing more. They lost a heartbreaker (which most of these "fans" didn't even think they stood a chance to begin with) so the confusion comes in as to why are you so upset? They weren't going to win according to their predictions anyway. Leads one to believe they come here to whine, b**ch and moan just for sh*ts and giggles. Well misery loves company and these are some of the most miserable people on planet earth.

 

[VolBall09]

I'm talking about a boss that is not providing feedback, but is criticizing every little thing they do like they do these players every second of every game played. Feedback and criticism are two different things I'm sure you know that. However, you make a great point about being critical of the coach. Notice, I didn't say anything about critiques for Kellie because she is paid and it comes with the territory. However, the players (which I did mention) should be given feedback and nothing more. They lost a heartbreaker (which most of these "fans" didn't even think they stood a chance to begin with) so the confusion comes in as to why are you so upset? They weren't going to win according to their predictions anyway. Leads one to believe they come here to whine, b**ch and moan just for sh*ts and giggles. Well misery loves company and these are some of the most miserable people on planet earth.

In our worlds some of us are the boss. And that may be why we have a problem with the leadership we see from Kellie.

I own and run a very successful healthcare business. I have 9 staff and have had 0 turnover the last 6 years. You would love to work for me. We deliver excellent care and our patients love us. We can see that success in a number of ways including positive feedback, increased revenue and job satisfaction with our employees.

BUT….BUT.

There are expectations and I expect employees to meet them or exceed them. Kellie is in charge of setting the bar and it appears the bar she sets is around 10-11 losses with lots of learning.

 

[VolBall09]

(Wanted to italicize learning but the buttons don’t work anymore. What’s up with that @Freak)

 

[Coach Jumper]

(Wanted to italicize learning but the buttons don’t work anymore. What’s up with that @Freak)

Next time highlight and push ctrl-I

 

[Amb3096]

Regardless of the tradition here, why would a 17-18 year-old want to come play here with fans who scrutinize a players every decision on the court when they themselves don't have a D-I bone in their body, yet feel the need to critique ACTUAL D-I athletes? We can't make this stuff up. If you actually LISTEN to the athletes who do decide to come here, one of the reasons is the fans. So to think that this site has no bearing on the recruiting results is fools gold. Stop being a part of the problem and learn to follow that old saying of if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all! I hope the ones on here being so negative, has a boss that is just as critical for the rest of their working career/life. Let's see how you like it.

You can say that about any player for any major collegiate sport at any school. This site is like the same 30 crotchety old people that have been arguing with each other and shaking their fists at the sky for the last decade. You think this is bad, then what do you say about Xwitter or Facebook, where it is a hundred fold. If the players are so sensitive about fans doing things that fans do (i.e. talking...good AND bad), then either a.) stop looking at what people are saying about you on social media b.) compete at a lower level or c.) quit.

And yes, I know we all think we're angels here, but we trash opposing players all the time, so our halos aren't exactly spotless.

 

[VolBall09]

Next time highlight and push ctrl-I

Cannot do that on mobile. Thanks though.

 

[knoxvol52]

You can say that about any player for any major collegiate sport at any school. This site is like the same 30 crotchety old people that have been arguing with each other and shaking their fists at the sky for the last decade. You think this is bad, then what do you say about Xwitter or Facebook, where it is a hundred fold. If the players are so sensitive about fans doing things that fans do (i.e. talking...good AND bad), then either a.) stop looking at what people are saying about you on social media b.) compete at a lower level or c.) quit.

And yes, I know we all think we're angels here, but we trash opposing players all the time, so our halos aren't exactly spotless.

Agree totally about everything you stated, especially the trashing of opposing players.

Talk crap about Angel Reese and if she had came to Tennessee would defend her actions that individuals complain about now.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Cannot do that on mobile. Thanks though.

Highlight text to be italicized using the press and hold and “select” technique. Then scroll up to “I”. Pressing “I” should engage italics. Exit by pressing “I”.

 

[glv98]

Agree totally about everything you stated, especially the trashing of opposing players.

Talk crap about Angel Reese and if she had came to Tennessee would defend her actions that individuals complain about now.

If Angel Reese came to Tennessee she would never be allowed to do what she does, esp on court. And if she did, I'd complain about it way more.

 

[Amb3096]

If Angel Reese came to Tennessee she would never be allowed to do what she does, esp on court. And if she did, I'd complain about it way more.

But would you? Or would it be justified because "she" is one of "ours". I remember Cierra Burdick being a hothead and not maturing until her senior year, but we all admired her "passion" and "intensity". I think Izzy Harrison got ejected for fighting in a Vandy game. And plenty of LV players weren't above taunting (Candace Parker staredowns, Shannon Bobbitt trash talking), but for some reason they weren't crucified. I think our perception is all very partisan.

In spite of her antics, I have tremendous respect for Angel because she gets it. She's evolving with the times and creating her "brand". It may be off putting for some, but it's working for her...in a "Bhad Barbie" kind of way, but her bank account doesn't lie. She was an All American at Maryland, but we knew nothing about her other than she was very good basketball player. But when she went to LSU, she capitalized on the changing landscape to extend that brand beyond basketball and is laughing all the way to the bank. Might not be my flavor, but I'm not exactly her target market either, so more power to her, I suppose.

 

[glv98]

It's the Sophie Cunningham type dirty on court play for me. Pulling hair w one hand while throwing an elbow to the throat of another player w the other. We were equally hard on Sophie and neither would be tolerated here. Not by me at least.

 

[brittannica]

It's the Sophie Cunningham type dirty on court play for me. Pulling hair w one hand while throwing an elbow to the throat of another player w the other. We were equally hard on Sophie and neither would be tolerated here. Not by me at least.

I do think there’s a difference between TK blocking Petty and directing her back down the court and things like pulling hair. I also have no problem with trash talk about money, GPA, whatnot tho I didn’t love Duke fans telling UNC players they would kill them this weekend. Hair pulling and violent threats are a threshold of sorts for me.

 

[Amb3096]

I do think there’s a difference between TK blocking Petty and directing her back down the court and things like pulling hair. I also have no problem with trash talk about money, GPA, whatnot tho I didn’t love Duke fans telling UNC players they would kill them this weekend. Hair pulling and violent threats are a threshold of sorts for me.

Yeah, I'm the same way. 5'10 Morrow doing the "too small" gesture after scoring over a 6'4 player is actually pretty entertaining. But with Angel, I don't think what we saw in the SECT has been typical for her, either with the hair pulling or the flagrant. Seemed out of character. Interesting thing about Sophie is how much her teammates adore her, so there's probably a degree of "one of us" going on with them. But I don think she's cleaned up her act a bit in the WNBA.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Agree totally about everything you stated, especially the trashing of opposing players.

Talk crap about Angel Reese and if she had came to Tennessee would defend her actions that individuals complain about now.

Kellie,,coaching Angel Reese,,,no way

 

[Majors]

You can say that about any player for any major collegiate sport at any school. This site is like the same 30 crotchety old people that have been arguing with each other and shaking their fists at the sky for the last decade. You think this is bad, then what do you say about Xwitter or Facebook, where it is a hundred fold. If the players are so sensitive about fans doing things that fans do (i.e. talking...good AND bad), then either a.) stop looking at what people are saying about you on social media b.) compete at a lower level or c.) quit.

And yes, I know we all think we're angels here, but we trash opposing players all the time, so our halos aren't exactly spotless.

That last part fans don’t want to be true.

 

[knoxvol52]

Kellie,,coaching Angel Reese,,,no way

Why couldn't Kellie control Angel if she was playing here?

 

[chuckiepoo]

Why couldn't Kellie control Angel if she was playing here?

He said coach, not control. That would go to commitment to the program and team. In turn to vetting.
Edit: not sure I see AR being a fit. Of course AR’s path and persona, her “status”, has shifted tremendously over the past two years. I think Kellie and staff would have been a much better influence on AR.

 

[glv98]

she capitalized on the changing landscape to extend that brand beyond basketball and is laughing all the way to the bank. Might not be my flavor, but I'm not exactly her target market either, so more power to her, I suppose.

Agree. While I find that stuff embarassing and tacky (as a person at my STATUS, said no one who actually is one, ever) I get I'm not the target and she's making bank. Hey Jerry Springer entertained millions and got filthy rich and wasn't exactly good for the culture. You're also right she better make the $$ now.

But with Angel, I don't think what we saw in the SECT has been typical for her, either with the hair pulling or the flagrant. Seemed out of character

I've said a couple of times earlier this season Angel appeared to have toned down the verbal and high visual stuff this year. I think in the face taunting, finger licking, dancing, etc was a big point of emphasis this year and Ts were quickly called. But I don't think she's ever been above the well placed elbow, knee, or hip check and certainly never stopped being a constant on court shi*t stirrer. And lately the verbal is making a comeback. Gearing up for her meet w Clark in the FF lol.

Why couldn't Kellie control Angel if she was playing here?

Angel has the perfect coach for her right now.

 

[chuckiepoo]

He said coach, not control. That would go to commitment to the program and team. In turn to vetting.
Edit: not sure I see AR being a fit. Of course AR’s path and persona, her “status”, has shifted tremendously over the past two years. I think Kellie and staff would have been a much better influence on AR.

.

 

[knoxvol52]

.

Firm believer in letting players be themselves. Do I poo poo on the hair pulling fiasco yes and elbow slinging of course.

But the trash talking and pointing at her ring finger is all trash talking which makes the sport entertaining. Who here believes Larry Bird wasn't one of the biggest trash talkers ever?
Every fan base lives in glass houses ever negative comment Tennessee fans can point about other teams players, they can point rite back about Tennessee's.