Laura Harper - Women's Basketball Coach

Photo by: Tim Casey

Laura Harper

Title:
Assistant Coach

Laura Harper at a Glance:
University of Florida, Assistant Coach – Second Year (April 2017 – present)

Harper, a prolific post player in her playing days, focuses on the development of Florida’s forwards
In addition to improving the Gators’ frontcourt players, Harper brings a strong recruiting pedigree and ability to breakdown scouting assignments
In year one with the Gators, helped assist in the growth of Haley Lorenzen and Paulina Hersler who both put together strong seasons as seniors
Lorenzen improved her scoring and rebounding totals under the watch of Harper while the transfer Hersler enjoyed a breakout season in which she improved her scoring by over eight points from her final year at UCLA to her season with the Gators
Hersler’s output rose significantly in terms of rebounding as well as she hauled in 6.8 rebounds per game compared to her 2.6 rebounds per game average in 2016-17

George Washington University, Assistant Coach – One Year (2016-17)

In addition to her scouting and recruiting responsibilities, worked with the Colonial post players, including Caira Washington and Lexi Martins, both of whom averaged 8.0 during the 2016-17 season, along with scoring averages of 11.8 and 12.5 per game, respectively. Martins was a first-team All-Atlantic 10 honoree
Team won 20 games with a 13-3 Atlantic 10 record
2017 Atlantic 10 Regular-Season Champions
2017 WNIT Berth

High Point University, Assistant Coach – Two Years (2014-16)

Oversaw development of the post players that included Big South Conference Player of the Year Stacia Robertson
Academic liaison - Increased team GPA from 2.55 when initially assigned to 3.55
Earned No. 3 seed in Big South Tournament and reached title game before a single-digit loss
20-win season in 2015 – just the fourth in program history
Heavily involved in opponent scouting and game-planning prep, as well as in recruiting

Loyola (Md.) University, Assistant Coach – One Year (2013-14)

Aided in the development of the post players
Prepared detailed scouting reports
Served as the team’s Academic Liaison, helping squad maintain a 3.1 GPA

Professional Playing Experience

WNBA: 10th overall selection in the 2008 WNBA Draft (Sacramento Monarchs – two seasons)
International: three seasons (Turkey, Italy and Russia) with two All-Star recognitions
- Dynamo Moscow, Russia (2012-13)
- Umana Reyer Venezia, Italy (2009-10)
- Besiktas JK Istanbul, Turkey (2008-09)

USA Basketball Playing Experience

Good Luck Beijing Tournament (2008): warm-up event for 2008 Beijing Olympics – teammates included Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, Tina Thompson and other Olympians and received a silver medal in Beijing
FIBA Under-21 World Championships (2007): 7.1 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game; Champion and #1 ranked team
Junior World Championship Qualifying Team (2004) - Gold Medalist
Youth Development Festival (2003) - Gold Medalist

Collegiate Playing Experience

Four-year starter and two-time team captain for the University of Maryland (2004-08)
Most Outstanding Player of the 2006 Final Four after leading the Terps to the national championship
Averaged 14.0 points and 8.3 rebounds during UM’s 2006 NCAA Tournament title run
2007 Naismith National Player of the Year finalist
2008 All-Atlantic Coast Conference Third Team
Upon graduation ranked in Maryland’s record book No. 1 for blocked shots (198), No. 7 for rebounds (873), No. 7 field goal percentage (56.5%) and No. 18 for points (1,407)
Her jersey No. 15 hangs from the rafters inside Maryland’s home area – Xfinity Center

Induced into the ACC Legends Class of 2014

Personal

Education:
- University of Maryland (Bachelor of Arts Degree, Communications, 2008)
- Cheltenham High School (Wyncote, Pa.):
  - 2004 McDonald’s All American
  - 2004 WBCA All American
  - 2004 Parade All American Second Team
  - 2004 All USA Basketball Third Team
  - 2004 Gatorade Player of the Year
  - 2004 Street & Smith All American 3^rd Team
  - 2009 career points and 1403 career rebounds
Hometown: Elkins Park, Pa.

Quoting Laura Harper:
“’Athletic excellence’ is the first thing I think of when someone says the University of Florida.”

“I am motivated daily by greatness and I think that Florida epitomizes what greatness is in everything that they do. Why wouldn’t I want to be in that atmosphere? I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity and the challenges that Coach Cam is giving me to work alongside him.”

Gator Coach Cam Newbauer on Laura Harper:
“When you have someone on your staff like Laura who has competed at the highest level and won a national championship as a player, it creates a dynamic blending on a coaching staff for your players. The players in our program will be able to relate to her as a student-athlete and learn from a successful woman beyond playing college basketball. Laura was recruited as a high school athlete at the highest level, won a national championship as a student-athlete, was drafted by the WNBA, played professionally in the league and overseas and has now since transitioned into becoming a coach, with all that and her personality, Laura became the ideal person for our Gator staff.”