Mizzou women’s basketball focuses on growth, chemistry and player development

When Kellie Harper walked into her first media day news conference as the Missouri Tigers’ next head women’s basketball coach, she wasn’t thinking about wins or losses.

Instead, she talked about the development of her players, her staff and the culture she’s trying to build inside Mizzou Arena.

“I think we’ve had a lot of growth as a program already,” Harper said. “Our team has given us energy and effort. We’ve still got a lot of room to grow, but I want to see us get better every single week.”

Harper, who took over the program in April after a five-year run at Tennessee, has made a career out of building programs from the ground up. This is her fifth head-coaching stop but her first in the transfer portal era, a reality she calls “speed dating.” She’s found quick success assembling a mix of veterans, returners and newcomers to form the Tigers’ 2025-26 roster.

Her message has been consistent since Day 1: Win the long game.

“Our plan is to build something sustainable,” she said. “The best teams are the ones that grow and develop together over time. We want to be competitive now, but we’re focused on consistency, chemistry and development.”

That philosophy has resonated deeply with her players, especially junior guard and Grain Valley High School product Grace Slaughter, who is one of five returners from the Robin Pingeton era. Slaughter, one of the SEC’s most versatile scorers, said Harper’s emphasis on player development has already made an impact.

“It’s been a blast,” Slaughter said. “We’ve talked a lot about not just my goals here at Missouri but my goals for after college. She’s coached first-round WNBA Draft picks, so getting to learn from someone with that experience has been special. I feel like I’m growing in every part of my game.”

Under Pingeton, Slaughter played a “positionless” role, often defending 1 through 4. Harper’s system, she said, takes that versatility to another level.

“She wants us to be fast, to think quicker and to be able to play multiple positions,” Slaughter said. “We all run the court, we all rim run, we all shoot 3s.

“It’s helping me prepare for the next level.”

Harper has echoed that focus on mental speed and adaptability.

“Thinking quicker is one of the hardest things to teach,” she said. “You want players to react before things happen, to read the floor on both ends. That comes with reps, but it’s also a mindset.”

Harper’s new roster features eight newcomers, including senior Saniah Tyler, a Kentucky transfer guard, and senior Jordana Reisma, a 6-foot-3 forward from Cleveland State. Both are expected to play critical roles with the team.

Reisma, who will anchor the post rotation, said she’s already seeing the difference in Harper’s developmental approach.

“I love how she coaches me,” Reisma said. “She gives me confidence every day. She pushes me, but she also believes in me, and that makes me want to keep getting better.”

Harper said Reisma’s importance can’t be overstated.

“Anyone can look at our roster and realize we don’t have a ton of depth at center,” Harper said. “Jordana’s going to play big minutes. She’s athletic, mobile and skilled. She fits perfectly into what we’re trying to do.”

Tyler, meanwhile, is eager to rediscover her rhythm after battling injuries during her time at Kentucky. A veteran SEC guard returning to her home state, she said playing for Harper was an easy decision.

“She’s known for developing players for the next level,” Tyler said. “That was a big reason I came here. She transforms players (and) helps you become the best version of yourself.”

Tyler described Harper’s coaching staff as “always available,” whether it’s film study, extra shooting or recovery work. Harper’s focus on connection extends beyond the court. This summer, she prioritized team chemistry, even over defensive drills.

“Our No. 1 goal this summer wasn’t ball-screen defense,” Harper said with a smile. “You need a strong locker room to do what we’re trying to do.”

To build that connection, Harper and her staff organized a team lake retreat, a weekend filled with team building exercises and candid conversations.

“Everything we do is intentional,” Harper said. “Every small decision matters. The retreat helped us bond, and now that chemistry shows up in practice every day.”

Junior guard Abbey Schreacke said that commitment to intentionality has paid off.

“We’ve really grown as a team already,” Schreacke said. “Coach Harper and the staff make sure we spend time together off the court, (at) dinners, team events, that lake trip. We’ve built something special.”

With only five returners on the team, including Schreacke and Hannah Linthacum, Harper’s leadership has brought renewed energy and structure.

“She’s supportive but also pushes us,” Linthacum said. “She wants the best out of us every single day. I feel more confident knowing what’s expected and how I can help lead.”

Junior guard Averi Kroenke, another returning Tiger, said she’s seen major strides in her development through Harper’s demanding yet detailed coaching approach.

“I’ve been putting in extra reps, studying film, learning where I can get my teammates open looks,” Kroenke said. “She challenges us to be students of the game.”

With a small roster of 13 players, Harper said everyone will have a role and every rep will matter.

“If you’re on our roster, you’re going to contribute,” she said. “We recruited each player for a reason.”

A week from now, Missouri will tip off under the lights to start a new era. For Harper, it won’t be about chasing a number of wins. It’ll be about watching her players grow together.

“I want us to get better every week,” Harper said. “If we do that, the wins will come. More importantly, the foundation will last.”

Copyright 2025 Columbia Missourian

This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 1:46 PM.