Lady Vols Legend Candace Parker Leaves No Doubt About Her Feelings Toward Tennessee Head Coach Kellie Harper
Candace Parker, one of the most iconic players in Tennessee Lady Vols history, has never been shy about her passion for the program that shaped her into a two-time national champion, WNBA superstar, and international basketball icon. Recently, Parker made headlines with her unfiltered admiration and support for Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper, whose leadership has revitalized the Lady Vols program and brought renewed energy to Knoxville.
Parker’s connection to the Lady Vols runs deep. As the centerpiece of Pat Summitt’s teams in the mid-2000s, Parker led Tennessee to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008. Her versatility, athleticism, and basketball IQ set new standards for women’s basketball and solidified the Lady Vols as one of the most dominant programs in NCAA history.
While the program went through ups and downs following Summitt’s retirement, Parker has remained a vocal supporter of her alma mater, often attending games and cheering on the team from afar. Her recent remarks about Harper, who took over as head coach in 2019, highlight her confidence in the future of Lady Vols basketball.
In a recent interview, Parker didn’t hold back in expressing her respect for Harper’s coaching style and the culture she’s building at Tennessee. “Coach Harper embodies what it means to be a Lady Vol,” Parker said. “She understands the tradition, the expectations, and the responsibility that comes with wearing orange and white. You can see it in the way she coaches, the way her players respond to her, and the pride she takes in representing Tennessee.”
Parker went on to emphasize Harper’s ability to connect with her players and inspire them to embrace the values instilled by Pat Summitt. “It’s not just about winning games — it’s about doing it the right way. Coach Harper gets that. She’s bringing back that Lady Vols mentality, and I couldn’t be prouder of what she’s doing.”
Kellie Harper, a former Lady Vols point guard who won three national championships under Summitt, has brought a unique perspective to her role as head coach. Her deep understanding of the program’s history and her commitment to fostering a championship culture have resonated with players, fans, and alumni alike.
Since Harper’s arrival, the Lady Vols have consistently been competitive in the SEC and have made strides in recruiting top-tier talent. Her ability to develop players and adapt her strategies has drawn praise from basketball analysts and former players, including Parker.
Parker’s endorsement of Harper goes beyond words. The WNBA star has been actively involved in supporting the Lady Vols program, offering mentorship to current players and using her platform to promote women’s basketball. Her continued presence around the program serves as a reminder of the legacy that Harper and her team are working to uphold.
“To have someone like Candace Parker believe in what we’re doing means the world,” Harper said in response to Parker’s comments. “She’s the epitome of what it means to be a Lady Vol, and her support inspires us to keep striving for greatness.”
With Harper at the helm and alumni like Parker lending their support, the future of Lady Vols basketball looks bright. The program has seen a resurgence in energy and enthusiasm, both on the court and in the fanbase. As the Lady Vols aim to return to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball, the bond between past and present players will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.
Candace Parker’s unwavering support for Kellie Harper is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lady Vols basketball. As one of the program’s greatest ambassadors, Parker’s confidence in Harper’s leadership underscores the belief that Tennessee is on the right track to reclaim its place among the elite. With Harper’s guidance and the backing of legends like Parker, the Lady Vols are poised to write the next chapter in their storied history.