Category: Photography

Coach Harper was fiercely competitive. She rarely sat on the bench to watch a game.

I waited at this staircase for about 5 minutes for Coach Harper to walk up. I loved the “Steps to Success” written on them.

Full of energy, I always thought Coach Harper was just moments away from throwing off these heels and playing in the game herself.

Across Reynolds are the reminders of Coach Kay Yows successes and conquests. You couldn’t shake the feeling that she was always watching.

A spotlight shines both literally and figuratively on Coach Harper.

Coach Harper holds a scouting report on Maryland who the team would play, and beat, the next day.

Coach Harper moves into her new house.

A player holds up a “Wolfie”, a visual representation of a wolf, the school’s mascot.

Coach Harper talks to her team before playing Maryland.

It was obvious at the outset of starting this project that the bond between Coach Harper and the players was very strong. They love her; it’s obvious every time I was around the team.

During the 2009-10 basketball season I was hired by NC State’s Alumni Association to work with them on a behind-the-scenes story on Kellie Harper, the university’s new head women’s basketball coach. I was given amazing access to the team both on and off the court during this story. 

Yesterday it was announced that Coach Harper would not return for the 2013-14 season. I was sadden to hear that as I had so much fun working for her. She was full of life and such a fierce competitor. She was really kind to me and the writer, Cherry Crayton, as we worked on this story.

More photos posted here. The text from Cherry’s articles are here.