MM 7.21: Laura Harper named head women’s basketball coach at Coppin State

Former Maryland women’s basketball star Laura Harper will be the next head coach of Coppin State’s women’s basketball program, the university’s athletics department announced Monday.

“It is a dream come true to be named the new head women’s basketball coach at Coppin State University,” Harper said. “I am very thankful for the special opportunity ... 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.”

Harper, who was part of the Terps National Championship team and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2006 NCAA Tournament, most recently served as head coach at Montverde Academy in Florida, where she led her team to an 18-6 record.

Harper was also a Division I assistant coach from 2013-2019, with stints at Loyola (Md.), High Point, George Washington and Florida.

“Coppin State is getting one of the most passionate people we’ve ever had in our program,” said Maryland women’s basketball head coach Brenda Frese. “I am thrilled for her and for our local community. She will be great for the players at Coppin, because she fully understands what it takes to be successful.”

With Harper’s hiring, she becomes the second Maryland alum to become a head coach at Coppin State, as former Terp men’s basketball great Juan Dixon is head coach of Coppin State’s men’s basketball team. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2002 NCAA Tournament that saw Maryland win its first and only title.

In other news

After suffering season-ending injuries in each of the last two seasons, Maryland football running back Jake Funk will look to come back even stronger in 2020.

Maryland men’s basketball was able to get back in Xfinity Center Monday.

Former Terps center Bruno Fernando approves of freshman guard Aquan Smart’s number.

Maryland men’s basketball made the top-9 for three-star 2021 small forward James Graham III.

As part of Maryland Day airing Tuesday, Big Ten Network will be re-airing three classic Maryland women’s basketball games and Maryland women’s lacrosse’s OT win over North Carolina in 2019.

Former Maryland men’s lacrosse midfielder Colin Heacock is locked in for the return of the MLL season.

The Terp-heavy Whipsnakes have landed in Utah for the start of the Premiere Lacrosse League tournament.