Kellie Jolly Harper, who is now the head coach at Western Carolina, won three straight national titles (1996, 1997, 1998) as a member of the Tennessee women’s basketball program. Her national title in 1998 was the last one for the Big Orange until the team captured their seventh in 2007. In today’s Coaches’ Corner post, Harper discusses her experience in Cleveland as a coach, fan and alum.

As a former Tennessee Lady Vol, this year’s Final Four could not have played out any better for me (unless Western Carolina had been a participant).

Although I graduated from Tennessee eight years ago, I still have pride and love for the Big Orange. Once a Lady Vol, always a Lady Vol.

The Final Four is always a great time for me to see former teammates and friends. It is the best time for a reunion with former teammates who have moved into coaching.

The game atmosphere was really amazing. My seat was in the end zone on the first row and I could have touched the tuba player for LSU. By the way, having the band in front of me was one of the most amusing things to witness. They had as much fun as anyone.

I personally like the atmosphere in a basketball arena as opposed to a football dome. I think the fans are brought closer to the court for a better experience.

I think it is neat to watch a team and fans from a program who haven’t frequented the Final Four. The experience is so exciting, new, and fresh for them. Rutgers played terrific in that semifinal game. With their defense as strong as it is, they are tough to beat when they are knocking down shots. I know they are proud of those talented young ladies at Rutgers and will look forward to their season next year.

For most of the North Carolina / Tennessee game, I sat easily in my seat and enjoyed some of the most talented players in the country. There were, especially late in the second half, moments that I was on the edge of my seat and holding my breath.

I was going to try to count just how many times Rocky Top was played, but I lost track when the game was tight down the stretch. Probably the most memorable moment for me this year was watching Pat [Summitt] with her staff at the end of that semifinal game. That is the most excited I have seen her in a long time.

Someone commented to me about how much orange was in the building on Sunday at the semifinal game. My comment back to them was, “Wait until Tuesday.” The orange faithful did not disappoint. I had to go purchase an orange shirt so I could fit in!

Pat’s quote of “Rebounds wins Championships” held true on Tuesday night. Tennessee’s size and aggressiveness on the boards gave them much-needed extra shot attempts against Rutgers’ solid defense.

I hung around to see the nets get cut down as Rocky Top was played 2 million times (I counted!!!). After that, all of the former Lady Vols in attendance trotted over to the WBCA Trophy presentation. The theater setting was perfect!!! Pat grabbed the microphone and started singing Rocky Top…reminding us once again why coaching, and not singing, is her occupation.

Then it was on to the private party at Tennessee’s hotel. Once again, because it is important to Pat, the former Lady Vol players were invited to celebrate with the coaches, the team, their families, and UT administrators. We even had a chance to take a picture with the 2007 National Champions. I remember the feeling and I know that it was a whirlwind of excitement for those young ladies. I tried to congratulate each of them briefly and slipped out the door.

At this time it was HOURS past my bedtime, but I was so happy. I was most excited for Pat. Although I am years removed from being a player, Pat still has this ‘awe-effect’ on me.

She is an incredible ambassador for women’s basketball and the University of Tennessee. I count myself one of the lucky few who have had the opportunity to play for such a great person.