Mizzou Tigers’ Kellie Harper hires proven recruiter (and former head coach) as assistant

Newly hired Missouri Tigers women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper is building out her initial coaching staff in Columbia.

Harper, who was hired by MU last week and will be introduced to the public and media during an open event at Mizzou on Monday, this week hired former Florida Atlantic head coach Jennifer Sullivan as an assistant coach.

It’s the third time that Harper, one of the game’s most decorated head coaches, and Sullivan, who is known for her expertise both coaching and recruiting, will work together.

Sullivan, 41, was also an assistant on Harper’s coaching staffs at Tennessee and Missouri State, so she knows Missouri — and SEC country at large — very well.

“I am thrilled to announce the addition of Jennifer to our staff here at Mizzou,” Harper said in a Mizzou news release. “She will be a valuable asset to our players on the court for games and practices.”

Sullivan was the head coach at FAU for four seasons — 2021-25 — overseeing a 120% increase in wins, per Mizzou Athletics.

“I am very thankful to Kellie for giving me this incredible opportunity to rejoin her on the sidelines,” Sullivan said in the MU release. “Missouri women’s basketball is an elite program, and I am excited to build on their past success and win championships.”

Sullivan coached under Harper for two seasons at Tennessee, honing her reputation as a top recruiter. She also put those skills to use with Harper at Missouri State (2013-18).

Sullivan then spent one season at Ohio State (2018-19). Her other previous coaching stops include a year as associate head coach at Louisiana (2012-13), where she also oversaw the Ragin’ Cajuns recruiting, and three at Arkansas State in her hometown of Jonesboro, Ark.

Sullivan played at Memphis, finishing her NCAA career with 800 points, 310 rebounds and 99 steals. Memphis advanced to the second round of the WNIT in 2004, the year before she graduated.

“She is a proven recruiter and is knowledgeable in the state and region,” Harper said. “She is a great person who will reflect the winning values of our university.”

Monday’s welcome event for Harper at Mizzou will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 1:48 PM.