Laura Harper, a former WNBA player, was selected as the head coach of the Coppin State University women’s basketball. It was announced on Monday by the Director of Sports Derek Carter. “It is a dream come true to be named the new head women’s basketball coach at Coppin State University,” said Harper. “I am very thankful for the special opportunity that President Jenkins, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Person, and Mrs. Carrington-Johnson have granted me. Having a platform as a woman of color, while coaching at an HBCU during this racially sensitive time in our country, inspires me, and I am beyond ready to help lead this group of committed, young women into a new era of Eagles basketball.”
Since the end of her playing profession, Harper has worked as an assistant instructor at Four NCAA Division1 institutes. “We are excited for Laura Harper to be joining the Coppin State family and look forward to her leadership during the next exciting phase of Eagles women’s basketball,” said Carter. “Laura will bring incredible passion, energy, and a championship mentality to our team. Throughout her career, she has worked hard to establish herself as a winner in all phases of basketball. I feel that she will provide a valuable influence on the lives of the young women in our program.”
Recently Harper served as the senior coach at Montverde Academy, in Florida. During the past season, Harper led the Eagles to an 18-6 and assisted all five seniors in receiving NCAA Division I grants. Before serving at Montverde, Harper helped the women’s basketball squad at the University of Florida for a couple of seasons. Under Harpers’ guidance, 1,200-point winner Haley Lorenzen, and Paulina Hersler, currently playing professionally in Sweden, had professional years as seniors.
Harper spent the 2016-2017 season at George Washington University, before moving to the Sunshine State. During that period, the Colonials secured an Atlantic Ten-Regular Season Tournament and proceeded to the WNIT. On the other hand, Harper assisted the post players Caira and Lexi Martins Washington in obtaining All-Conference credits.
Besides, Harper worked as a junior coach at High Point University for two years. In her first term, senior Stacia Robertson was recognized as the Big South Player of the Year and an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American prior to her journey to play abroad. The Panthers earned 20 tournaments during the 2014-2015 period and proceeded to the Conference Tournament Game.
Harper started coaching as an assistant instructor at Loyola University in Maryland, during the 2013-2014 period with the responsibility of scouting, and post player development. She also worked as an academic coordinator for the Greyhounds. Laura Harper was recognized as the 2006 NCAA Final Four performing Player when she led the Terrapins to a National Competition. Besides, Harper was part of the two Maryland groups that proceeded to the Elite Eight, Naismith Award Preseason Candidate, and a 2007 Naismith Award Finalist. To date, Harper holds the Maryland record, recording 1,407 points, with198 blocked shots and will be ranked seventh upon qualification before being entitled to the 2014 ACC Legends Class.
In February 2009, Harper’s No. 15 sports attire was raised to the Xfinity Center after playing against North Carolina State. Besides, Harper was a pioneer for the 2004 Women’s U18 team in the USA, which secured the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Tournament. Following her academic profession, Harper was ranked 10th in the Sacramento Monarchs’ general election during the 2008 WNBA Draft. As a beginner, Harper played in 34 tournaments, and put up 4.0 rebounds with 5.5 points before starting in 11 games the following season. Additionally, she played professionally abroad in Russia, Turkey, and Italy.
