SPARTA, Tenn. — A basketball court at the old elementary school of the University of Tennessee's new women's basketball coach, Kellie Harper, is being named in her honor.
White County director of schools Kurt Dronebarger said the court at Findlay Elementary will be named "Kellie's Court" when the school's gymnasium is completed later this year. Harper attended Findlay Elementary as a child before going on to play for three consecutive national championship teams at Tennessee.
Harper learned about the honor Thursday during a ceremony at White County High School in which several hundred supporters celebrated her selection as coach of the Lady Volunteers. Harper grew up in Sparta, about 100 miles from Tennessee's campus.
Harper received a key to the city at the ceremony.
Tennessee hired Harper in April to replace Holly Warlick, who was fired after a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament. Harper led Missouri State to an NCAA regional semifinal appearance this past season.