Kentucky Wildcats Head Coach Mark Pope has announced that he and his wife, Lee Anne Pope, will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary on August 7, 2025. ….read more…

Kentucky Wildcats Head Coach Mark Pope has announced that he and his wife, Lee Anne Pope, will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary on August 7, 2025. ….read more…

As the summer sun shines over Lexington, a heartwarming celebration is taking place off the court. Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope has announced that he and his wife, Lee Anne Pope, will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary on August 7, 2025. The milestone marks over two and a half decades of partnership, love, and shared purpose for one of college basketball’s most admired couples.

Mark and Lee Anne married on August 7, 1999, during the early years of Mark’s professional basketball career. Since then, the couple has built a life that blends the fast-paced world of athletics with the steady foundation of family values and mutual respect. Their love story has become an inspirational model for many within the Kentucky community and beyond.

Lee Anne, the daughter of longtime college basketball coach Lynn Archibald, has always had a deep understanding of the coaching life. She grew up surrounded by the game and later pursued a degree in journalism from Brigham Young University. Before starting a family with Mark, she even worked as a personal assistant to talk show host David Letterman—a testament to her ambition and versatility.

Throughout Mark Pope’s coaching journey—from assistant roles to his head coaching tenure at BYU, and now his leadership at Kentucky—Lee Anne has been an unwavering partner. She’s been present through the triumphs and trials, providing both emotional support and practical guidance behind the scenes. Coach Pope has often referred to her as the cornerstone of his success and the quiet architect of their family life.

“Lee Anne is the most incredible teammate I’ve ever had,” Pope shared in a recent interview. “She’s given everything to our family, supported me through every chapter of this wild coaching life, and built a home filled with love, strength, and faith. This anniversary is a celebration of everything we’ve endured and accomplished together.”

The couple has raised four daughters—Ella, Avery, Layla, and Shay—each making their own mark in academics, sports, and the arts. Despite the demands of a high-profile coaching role, Pope has always prioritized family, often speaking about how Lee Anne helps keep everything in balance. Whether it’s cheering from the stands or helping student-athletes feel at home, the Pope family presence is widely felt across the Kentucky campus.

As they prepare to mark their 26th anniversary, the Popes are expected to spend the day privately with loved ones, reflecting on their journey and the years to come. While no official celebration has been announced, the Kentucky Wildcats community is already sharing congratulatory messages and stories about the couple’s impact.

In a profession where time together is often scarce, Mark and Lee Anne’s enduring marriage serves as a shining example of loyalty, sacrifice, and love. As August 7 approaches, the Wildcat faithful have one more reason to celebrate—not just a championship legacy, but the personal triumphs that continue to define their coach’s legacy off the court.