Mark Pope kicked off his Wednesday practice with a unique twist: he invited the media to bring their families, creating a gym full of kids, spouses, and parents. It was a deliberate gesture to honor the loved ones who support the demanding sports media profession. Folks, it is not easy being a coach. Spending your time disecting plays, recruiting, traveling, and then coaching and all that comes with it.
A "family first" practice
“I have a good sense of... the sacrifices that everybody in this sport makes,” Pope said in his opening. “Especially the sacrifices our families make... I'm glad everyone can be here.”
The family-centric atmosphere led to a question about Pope's own greatest supporter: his wife, Lee Anne.
The ultimate "truth-teller"
Pope spoke candidly about the vital role Lee Anne plays, not just as a partner, but as his most trusted advisor.
“I I rely on her so much,” he said. “We're blessed to have just a couple people in our circle that tell us the truth all the time, no matter how painful it might be. and and Lee is... she's an incredible advisor and she's an unbelievable sounding board.”
We all need people in our lives to help us, and she provides that and more for Mark. That allows him to give a lot more than most people can.
A "high high, x and o acumen"
Beyond emotional support, Pope revealed that his wife is a formidable basketball mind in her own right, one who doesn't shy away from critiquing his coaching.
“She also is, has a high high X and O acumen where she crushes me a lot,” Pope said with a smile, confirming that Lee Anne is deeply involved in the strategic side of his life.
He praised her ability to connect with players and their families, calling it "the most important part of this job." From providing tough love on basketball strategy to being a key communicator for the program, Lee Anne Pope is clearly one of the new era's most important figures.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion