Florida Gators

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.”