Crying in Cullowhee....me and others

[catamount man]

http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/w ... 09aaa.html

Thank you Kellie and staff for all you did to elevate this program. You WILL be missed.

[catamount man]

WCU's Harper found it tough to say goodbye

Keith Jarrett • KJarrett@CITIZEN-TIMES.com • published April 18, 2009 12:15 am


ASHEVILLE – “I don't think there was a dry eye in the locker room. It was a very, very emotional meeting.”
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That's Western Carolina senior Lauren Powell describing the scene Tuesday night, when coach Kellie Harper called the Catamounts together to tell them she was leaving to take the N.C. State job.

From $116,000 annually at a program she has built into one of the best in the Southern Conference over the past five years, Harper, who turns 32 next week, gets a five-year deal that begins at $247,000 annually with the Wolfpack.

But there's more to the job switch than doubling her salary. Harper, who won three national championships as a player at Tennessee and was called by Pat Summitt the toughest player she ever coached, gets the opportunity to recruit and compete against some of the best programs in the country in the ACC.

What Harper leaves behind in Cullowhee is a very difficult act to follow — three straight 20-win seasons, a trio of SoCon titles and two NCAA tournament appearances to highlight a 97-65 record in five seasons.

“She completely turned this program into a successful one,” said Powell, a key component and four-year starter for WCU who won three state titles at Asheville High.

“Having played for the greatest coach of all time gave her a lot of insight into what it takes to be a successful program, and because she was a player she could relate to us.”

Powell said her teammates will miss more than Harper's coaching ability.

“She is very personable and cares about us. We would go over to her house all the time, and she would cook for us. She really cares about her players, and I think that's one of the greatest things about her.”

Harper's staff — husband Jon and fellow assistants Stephanie McCormack and L'Tona Lamonte — are apparently going with her to Raleigh, so WCU athletic director Chip Smith has to start fresh in his search for a staff that can continue the winning tradition.

“I want the best for this program, even though I'm not a player anymore,” said Powell, who will graduate in May and hopes to get into coaching.

“We want to get a coach who is passionate about basketball and cares about us. Hopefully, we can get some candidates before school lets out. Chip said he wants our input, and we think we can keep this program successful.”

Powell and her teammates are still dealing with a very difficult, emotional time.

“It's not going to be easy, but we're going to get through this,” she said. “This was hard on all of us, and it hurts because you become close to your coach, but I understand she had to do what she thought she had to do. I can't say that anybody in that situation wouldn't take (the job at N.C. State). It was tough on Kellie to have to come in and sit in front of her team and tell them you are leaving.

“She told us that we meant the world to her, and we all know that is true. That's why it was so hard on her.”
What they are saying

Quotes about Harper, courtesy of the N.C State media relations department:

Pat Summitt: “North Carolina State is getting a young and rising star in the game. I am proud for Kellie. I expect she will do a great job in a very competitive conference — she has what it takes to be successful.

“As a player at Tennessee, Kellie helped lead us to three consecutive NCAA titles because she was smart and always outworked her opponent. As a coach, I've seen what a keen basketball mind she has, and she is always looking for a way to give her team the best chance to be in a position to win. As I watched her coach her team to the Southern Conference Tournament title this year in triple overtime, the thought crossed my mind that she's very good at what she does as a teacher and a motivator. She's grown up with a passion for the game of basketball, and it's just a natural part of her life.

“Coach Kay Yow was the face of Wolfpack women's basketball for so many successful years. She built support for her program by getting out in the community. I believe Kellie will be active in the community and generate excitement among the fans for the Pack.”

Wes Moore, Chattanooga head coach and former assistant coach for N.C. State women's basketball (1993-95). “ With Kellie Harper, N.C. State is getting the total package. On one hand, she is a young, up-and-coming coach who can recruit and relate well to today's student-athlete. On the other hand, she was raised by a coach, her father, and groomed by a legend, Pat Summitt, so as a leader, she is mature beyond her years. Bottom line, the pride and tradition of the Wolfpack women is in good hands.”

Larry Hunter, Western Carolina men's basketball coach and former associate head coach for N.C. State men's basketball (2001-05): “N.C. State has made an outstanding choice in selecting Kellie Harper to lead its women's basketball program. She is the perfect fit to follow in the footsteps of Kay Yow. In some ways, Kellie is a younger version of Kay, possessing many of the same high personal and humanistic qualities. She is a great person, and the Wolfpack nation will quickly recognize that fact and grow to love and respect her.

“Kellie is a highly motivated, driven and talented coach. She has a great personality, but is unbelievably tough and competitive. She has unique leadership skills, and she demands and gets the best out of people around her. Kellie will recruit great players and establish the Wolfpack as the team and program to beat in the ACC.”

Kellie, you will be missed. Good luck at NCSU.

[dbackjon]

I feel your pain, CM. Charli Turner Thorne, in three short years at NAU lead them to back to back winning seasons before moving to Arizona State, where she has led ASU to 4 straight NCAA bids, including 2 elite eights.

[catamount man]

Oh I know. I am happy for both her and Jon as they are 2 of the nicest people you would ever want to talk to but her presence in the 'whee will be missed. Knowing Chip Smith like I do, he'll find us a suitable replacement. There are some good WBB coaches on the d-2 level that would jump at a job like WCU.

[ASUMountaineer]

"Awwww sh!t, the women folk be playing sports now?!?!? What's next, the darkies?!?!?" -Cap'n Cat

[Appaholic]

And now Cullowhee CC can return to it's rightful spot near the cellar in all sports.....