Coach Kellie Harper

[Majors]

If every sport at UT is collecting top talent from HS except the WBB program, is it really NIL$? If so, why is that one sport the laggard? Is the problem caused by lack of fan support to the WBB collectives, or is it caused by a University directive on where those funds should be dispersed to, or perhaps the collectives themselves have decided that WBB is not the place for an investment? You tell me, but most of this NIL/Collective discussion that goes on is based entirely on rumors and projections at this point. I do know this, of the funds available to WBB from all sources, it appears the decision was made to spend the bulk of that money on transfer players the past 2-3 years.

Girls softball endorses this message. Is it really NIL…they seem to be doing just fine.

 

[glv98]

If every sport at UT is collecting top talent from HS except the WBB program, is it really NIL$? If so, why is that one sport the laggard? Is the problem caused by lack of fan support to the WBB collectives, or is it caused by a University directive on where those funds should be dispersed to, or perhaps the collectives themselves have decided that WBB is not the place for an investment? You tell me, but most of this NIL/Collective discussion that goes on is based entirely on rumors and projections at this point. I do know this, of the funds available to WBB from all sources, it appears the decision was made to spend the bulk of that money on transfer players the past 2-3 years.

The women’s collective is totally separate fm the men’s. That seems to be part of the problem

 

[Rooster1]

The women’s collective is totally separate fm the men’s. That seems to be part of the problem

@glv98, is that different than the way most schools are set up? You know me well enough now to know I never ask a question unless I know the answer already.

 

[brittannica]

If every sport at UT is collecting top talent from HS except the WBB program, is it really NIL$? If so, why is that one sport the laggard? Is the problem caused by lack of fan support to the WBB collectives, or is it caused by a University directive on where those funds should be dispersed to, or perhaps the collectives themselves have decided that WBB is not the place for an investment? You tell me, but most of this NIL/Collective discussion that goes on is based entirely on rumors and projections at this point. I do know this, of the funds available to WBB from all sources, it appears the decision was made to spend the bulk of that money on transfer players the past 2-3 years.

I am one of those people anxiously awaiting the day these ”payments” become transparent, if ever, because I believe most fans will be amazed that many of their thoughts on this matter were based upon wrong assumptions.

I would like to know how expensive women’s basketball is compared to softball, volleyball, soccer, track, etc. My guess is lady vols basketball is on average more expensive than those other women’s sports with perhaps a few exceptions (for example, Kiki Milloy).

 

[Volfan1000]

It will be interesting to see how many fans will be in Greenville when the Lady Volunteers play on Thursday.

 

[glv98]

@glv98, is that different than the way most schools are set up? You know me well enough now to know I never ask a question unless I know the answer already.

I truly don’t know. I do know how the one here operates and it’s definitely not a professional fund raising operation.

 

[Rooster1]

I would like to know how expensive women’s basketball is compared to softball, volleyball, soccer, track, etc. My guess is lady vols basketball is on average more expensive than those other women’s sports with perhaps a few exceptions (for example, Kiki Milloy).

Tennessee athletics raked in record $200 million in revenue, led by football. Here's how.

Tennessee football made more money than most athletic departments. That fueled UT's record revenues in the 2022-23 fiscal year. Here's the breakdown.

www.knoxnews.com

here is the breakdown @brittannica on women’s and men’s sports at UT

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Athletics Programs

Take a look and see what sports programs are available at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Find out how much in aid student athletes receive, how UT Knoxville ranks for each sport, how much revenue the school makes for each sport, and more.

www.collegefactual.com

UT is among the tops in the NCAA in athletic revenue. They ain’t poor. Now, as for collectives and NIL money, I have a hard time understanding how all other UT sports are killing it in recruiting except for WBB. Here is where the breakdown in logic occurs, so again, it will be interesting to see the actual numbers if they ever become public knowledge, because something does not add up.

 

[Rooster1]

I truly don’t know. I do know how the one here operates and it’s definitely not a professional fund raising operation.

Look at the current top 25 WBB programs and pick out the ones you believe have monetary advantages to UT or have “professional fund raising operations” that exceed the ability or resources of a UT. I know that in FB UT spends with the best as an example. That would require something near a “professional” effort would it not? Why is WBB the lone wolf on the outside at UT if your theories are correct?

One possible thought here, and it’s a theory, but I believe the money dedicated to RJ and probably JS is much more than many expect and may have been the biggest bulk of $ spent.

 

[Voltopia]

Tennessee athletics raked in record $200 million in revenue, led by football. Here's how.

Tennessee football made more money than most athletic departments. That fueled UT's record revenues in the 2022-23 fiscal year. Here's the breakdown.

www.knoxnews.com

here is the breakdown @ brittanica on women’s and men’s sports at UT

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Athletics Programs

Take a look and see what sports programs are available at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Find out how much in aid student athletes receive, how UT Knoxville ranks for each sport, how much revenue the school makes for each sport, and more.

www.collegefactual.com

UT is among the tops in the NCAA in athletic revenue. They ain’t poor. Now, as for collectives and NIL money, I have a hard time understanding how all other UT sports are killing it in recruiting except for WBB. Here is where the breakdown in logic occurs, so again, it will be interesting to see the actual numbers if they ever become public knowledge, because something does not add up.

The politics of the Vols and Lady Vols - and in particular the politics around the Lady Vols basketball program versus the other women's programs and the larger UTAD, etc. - are lengthy. If you want a taste, just look back at the controversy around Dave Hart's plans to fold the "Lady Vols" logos and titles some years back, and the response, the counter-response, and so on.

Add in the fact the largest NIL collectives for Tennessee want nothing to do with the Lady Vols basketball program, and well, what's there to be confused about? A lot of institutional baggage hanging around this problem.

 

[Orange_Mamba]

This is a travesty! I can’t believe anyone would put this crap out there!!!!!!!!

-_-

 

[Shadowboxer]

This is a travesty! I can’t believe anyone would put this crap out there!!!!!!!!

Lol I didn't know Kellie posts on VN

 

[Majors]

This is a travesty! I can’t believe anyone would put this crap out there!!!!!!!!

Those pesky drive by football fans caring.

 

[knoxvol52]

Those pesky drive by football fans caring.

Get the handy dandy notebook and start writing the names of posters voting NO.

Them put all of them on ignore, about 25 minutes work.

Or just scroll on down the page.

 

[FormerLadyVolFan]

If you look at the way Kellie has developed our teams with limited resources, you'll see we have the right coaches, just not enough NIL money.

Exactly. And why I said an up and comer wouldn’t be better. Can’t take a chance on another 4 or 5 years of no progress. Get NIL right and hire big, however long it takes.

 

[Majors]

Get the handy dandy notebook and start writing the names of posters voting NO.

Them put all of them on ignore, about 25 minutes work.

Or just scroll on down the page.

Silent voice is being heard. Humbling experience for those believing you have to post daily to know what’s going on or have a say.

 

[Advol]

"it is what it is"
Can we needlepoint that on a pillow!!

Her teams are out of shape and worse, NON athletic.
They dont act or look like they want to be here!
Very little energy or passion.
Some have mentioned its NILs Fault???

It IS unacceptable that the LVs have fallen to this level.
It IS not going to get better with CKH in place.
It IS going to get worse!
And dont give me the line about replacing an Icon, she didnt replace an Icon, it was Holly!
Holly destroyed it and Kelly is NOT the one who is going to build it back!!

 

[Majors]

If you look at the way Kellie has developed our teams with limited resources, you'll see we have the right coaches, just not enough NIL money.

Limited resources? Might want to rephrase that…our resources include one of the best arenas and practice facilities in the game (college or professional).

 

[Volstylexx]

Kellie Harper (2019–present)​			SEC
2019–20	Tennessee	21–10	10–6	T–3rd
2020–21	Tennessee	17–8	9–4	3rd
2021–22	Tennessee	25–9	11–5	3rd
2022–23	Tennessee	23–11	13–3	3rd
2023–24	Tennessee	17–11	10–6	T-4th

Kelli's winning percentage:

2019 -2020 68%
2020 - 2021 68%
2021 - 2022 74%
2022- 2023 68%
2023-2023 61%

68% winning percentage over 5 years. That won't cut it at TN. I don't know why we're even having this debate. IF you want the program restored to what it was (and what it can be again) she has to go. Zero debate. Holly Warlick's first 5 years on Rocky Top were 74%. Holly's last two seasons (which got her fired btw) she had a 68% winning percentage. If it wasn't good enough to save Holly (also a former player) five years ago, then why on earth would it be enough to save Kelli. You cannot ignore the trend lines - and it's clear from total wins, to SEC finishes, to number of losses - Kelli is trending in the wrong direction. There is nothing in the numbers to suggest all of a sudden we're going to head in the opposite direction.

 

[FormerLadyVolFan]

The LVBHC is a private entity, but as a supporter, I have a loose understanding of the spending. Rickea is our top NIL athlete, but gets no where near the majority of NIL funds. Coach Sam got her to come here through her admiration and relationship with her former coach and former Lady Vol player, Nikki McCray. The money discussion came later. Her relationship with Jordan Horston and Jasmine Powell was important, too. We were very fortunate that the stars aligned with Rickea. It has been very beneficial for Rickea and Tennessee.

We've been able to get a few portal athletes with NIL funds, but the LSU's of the world that are paying HS athletes ridiculous amounts of money to sit on their bench makes no sense with our limited funds.

Look at the current top 25 WBB programs and pick out the ones you believe have monetary advantages to UT or have “professional fund raising operations” that exceed the ability or resources of a UT. I know that in FB UT spends with the best as an example. That would require something near a “professional” effort would it not? Why is WBB the lone wolf on the outside at UT if your theories are correct?

One possible thought here, and it’s a theory, but I believe the money dedicated to RJ and probably JS is much more than many expect and may have been the biggest bulk of $ spent.

 

[knoxvol52]

Kellie Harper (2019–present)​			SEC
2019–20	Tennessee	21–10	10–6	T–3rd
2020–21	Tennessee	17–8	9–4	3rd
2021–22	Tennessee	25–9	11–5	3rd
2022–23	Tennessee	23–11	13–3	3rd
2023–24	Tennessee	17–11	10–6	T-4th

Kelli's winning percentage:

2019 -2020 68%
2020 - 2021 68%
2021 - 2022 74%
2022- 2023 68%
2023-2023 61%

68% winning percentage over 5 years. That won't cut it at TN. I don't know why we're even having this debate. IF you want the program restored to what it was (and what it can be again) she has to go. Zero debate. Holly Warlick's first 5 years on Rocky Top were 74%. Holly's last two seasons (which got her fired btw) she had a 68% winning percentage. If it wasn't good enough to save Holly (also a former player) five years ago, then why on earth would it be enough to save Kelli. You cannot ignore the trend lines - and it's clear from total wins, to SEC finishes, to number of losses - Kelli is trending in the wrong direction. There is nothing in the numbers to suggest all of a sudden we're going to head in the opposite direction.

Straddling the fence myself, do I believe Kellie is the one probably not.

starting over means 3 more years of pissing and moaning by fanbase.

Double edge sword...

 

[Rooster1]

If you look at the way Kellie has developed our teams with limited resources, you'll see we have the right coaches, just not enough NIL money.

@EarlVolFan what is the cause of that for a program with such a huge fan base? I’m asking because it seems perplexing. LV’s have one of the largest fan bases in the country. The state of Tenn is doing well, the University is breaking all time revenue numbers. Everything seems in place, and it makes one wonder. We can all look at the top 25 in WBB and we can pick out many programs that are doing well in recruiting and on the court that surely don’t have the ability to raise the kind of money or have the resources that UT has. I mean, is Duke recruiting so well because they can spend more on WBB than UT? So many examples of teams in the top of recruiting these days who should not be able to outspend UT. Where is the breakdown if it is money? Thx for the answer in advance, I really am interested in your thoughts on this. I’m not trying to be obtuse, I really am trying to understand Earl.

Btw, enjoy the tourney in Greenville, love all of the info from your posts. If you see a fella wearing a West Point t-shirt just ask if it’s Rooster…….

 

[Volstylexx]

Straddling the fence myself, do I believe Kellie is the one probably not.

starting over means 3 more years of pissing and moaning by fanbase.

Double edge sword...

Here's the question. Worst case scenario, can you hire someone that equals the success of Kelli? I think without question. Many, many, many coaches could get us 17 wins a year and have us on the NCAA bubble for the next three years. What's the upside? Hire a good coach and we're back competing for SEC titles and elite 8's. Hire a great coach, and you're back competing for national championships. It's been 15 years since TN made a Final 4 in women's basketball. It's now or never to restore this program. We are on the precipice of becoming irrelevant on the national scene. If you're a graduating senior and you want to play women's basketball, you have never seen the Lady Vols in a final 4. That's unacceptable.

 

[Scottt5]

Get the handy dandy notebook and start writing the names of posters voting NO.

Them put all of them on ignore, about 25 minutes work.

Or just scroll on down the page.

Save you time scottt5 put me on ignore

 

[brittannica]

Earl, what is the cause of that for a program with such a huge fan base? I’m asking because it seems perplexing. LV’s have one of the largest fan bases in the country. The state of Tenn is doing well, the University is breaking all time revenue numbers. Everything seems in place, and it makes one wonder. We can all look at the top 25 in WBB and we can pick out many programs that are doing well in recruiting and on the court that surely don’t have the ability to raise the kind of money or have the resources that UT has. I mean, is Duke recruiting so well because they can spend more on WBB than UT? So many examples of teams in the top of recruiting these days who should not be able to outspend UT. Where is the breakdown if it is money?

I had typed out a reply to you earlier, but I’m curious what Earl has to say. I deleted my thoughts because this is the source of one of the most heated fights in my household I have some hypotheses about where donors to the NIL and the fan base put their money, and I don’t think it’s towards women’s sports broadly… I’d love to be wrong, but I think you can get pretty far in softball, soccer, and volleyball with a little though soccer will likely become weird shortly with how many players are going pro instead of to college. That’s why you could potentially see other women’s sports doing well, yet Kellie struggling.

 

[knoxvol52]

Save you time scottt5 put me on ignore

Many sleepless night for me , just worrying about you putting me on ignore..
BTW the no was for the ones who voted to fire Kelly, lol
Have a nice day..
Check where my vote is Einstein.