Kellie Harper and Social Media

Here's an inside look on Kellie Harper's expectations and opinions on how her Player's social media should be and look overall.

Does Harper have Social Media Rules for her to abide by?

Coach Kellie Harper does not enforce social media rules for her Lady Vols Basketball Player besides reinforcing a standard Lady Vols team rule, which is "you don't want to do anything that is going to embarrass your University, your Program, your Teammates, your Parents, Coaches or Yourself." Each current Lady Vol must remind themselves of these things before posting something on social media and seeing if that is the risk they're wanting to take. Harper personally believes that players should be careful about what they put out on social media. Rather than putting strict rules on the team, Harper finds it best to treat her players like responsible adults and allow them to make their own decisions. Harper feels like the team should be aware of the language used, the graphics and posting proper pictures . The best way Harper suggests for avoiding any type of trouble on social media is to "get outside of your lens, it's not how you view the fun picture of Saturday night, it's how potential employees, fans, and future teammates view that picture you posted Saturday night." Harper thinks it's important for her players to post with high level of maturity.

Harper shared that retweeting, liking and reposting factors of social media from players should always be careful. Some people may not think it's a big deal but Harper makes a good point when she mentions "that graphic, post or those words are now yours as well." She emphasized that it is easy for someone to say 'well I didn't say it, but you liked it.''

Harper has a strong mindset on how she expects her team to use social media while still supporting them. She sees it is a great way for her players to build their brand, get their opinion out and have fun as long as they are using it wisely. Sometimes social media can come off as an "outlet" for a few, such as using it to fuel yourself up. However it sometimes can make the situation worse. Harper's shared the advice to "be intentional about how you use it."

Social Media Safety

When using social media, users should always limit the amount of personal information you post online, remember that the Internet is a public resource, be cautious of strangers, evaluate your account settings and check privacy policies. Yearly, Students Athletes are reminded of the safety rules.

Harper highlights the safety competent of social media as well, as far as not disclosure where you live, address or phone number. With the Lady Vols and its Program being in a higher profile position than most, it is very important Players keep that type of information to themselves.

Team Consequences

If a Lady Vol violates a standard team rule, then Harper and the rest of the Coaching Staff will determine the consequence. During these types of situations, Harper feels the need to enforce an “educational piece” along with consequences. In the past, Harper has asked her Players to reflect on answer the questions “Do you think this is an appropriate picture to put on your account? Do you want your Mother to see this? Someday would you want to see your child in that picture?” With these targeted questions, most Players can agree that it is not appropriate but it's not the same response for everyone. Harper mentions, “for a lot of people, it only takes one time to give them a little piece of education and some individuals need some reinforcement.” Harper has these conversations with Players to help them understand why some posts and pictures are not the best to put out there. Over the years, Harper has invited guest speakers in to talk to the team about social media who have always shared powerful and eye-opening messages. Harper believes it is important for “young people to see real life repercussions” because “real life stories are impactful.” It is important for her Players to understand that because what someone says ten years ago could limit their employment opportunities.

Harper’s Social Media Platforms

Yes, Harper is on social media! Her social media platform involves big events, her kids and family, and Lady Vol content. When it came to Harper’s social media usage, her response was “not enough.” Harper doesn’t use social media as much because “sometimes I worry about the post too much, because I am trying to get it right and then I end up not posting anything.” The response exemplifies similar concerns of her Players.

Harper wants to take a step to take advantage of her high coaching profile and allow people to know her better through her social media. Harper feels like she should use social media more especially from her position because “I have an unique story, I have a special family, a special job. I feel my life is special and I love it, I love what I do everyday, I just don’t document it for people.” Harper has realized that sometimes trying to document her life sometimes takes the joy out of living sometimes but she is willing to share her days because overall, she loves what she does.

Favorite Social Media

Out of all the social media, Harper uses Twitter the most. Of course, this brings me back to a great laugh when Harper tweeted out my favorite video, check it out here: https://twitter.com/kellieharper/status/1362847513863102464?s=21

Harper began to like Twitter years ago. She never really got into Facebook, and then Twitter came out, which was “the next big thing.” Harper found Twitter easier to work with and a platform where you can post snippets of your life. Harper finds it difficult to do more than one social media so she tries to succeed at one. Harper has an Instagram account that she uses sparingly but just tries to focus in on one.

Personal Vs. Professional Social Media Accounts

Harper has attempted to use two social media accounts on Facebook, one for personal use and one for professional but prefers to only use one account. Two separate accounts didn’t work out for Harper because “other people could not separate the two.” Harper understands that it is hard because her life has so many roles. Harper is a mother, a coach, a graduate of White County High School, former Missouri resident, Lady Vol For Life and she recognizes she can not separate them because “you can’t turn yourself on and off.” Harper describes what it is like to be a Lady Vol alumni player and says “When you choose to be a Lady Vol, you’re a Lady Vol 24/7, it’s not something you do when you clock in, which is the same with this position.” Harper embraces all her roles because “you are who you are, your title doesn’t make you who you are, your employer doesn’t make you who you are, and you don’t leave that person ever.”

Keeping a “Lady Vol Image”

Harper mentions Pat Summitt and how she has always run a classy program, meaning things look right and was run the correct way. If Harper had to describe the Lady Vol brand in one word, it would be “classy.” Harper states that keeping it classy includes “treating people right, look appropriate, act appropriate, carry yourself with confidence.”

Now, let's reflect on your social media platforms. Do you keep it classy?