– In a heartfelt tribute to enduring love, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope and his wife Lee Anne “Anne” Pope are celebrating 26 years of marriage—a partnership that has profoundly shaped both family life and the rising success of UK basketball.
Married in June 1999, the Popes have woven together two rich basketball lineages. Mark, a 1996 NCAA champion with Kentucky, and Anne, daughter of longtime collegiate coach Lynn Archibald, have built a unified vision grounded in teamwork—on the court and at home (essentiallysports.com).
Their marriage has coincided with a remarkable coaching journey. Mark led teams at Utah Valley and BYU before returning to his alma mater in April 2024 as the 23rd head coach of the Wildcats (ukathletics.com). Anne has been more than a supportive spouse—she has been his strategic sounding board. From assisting with player development to fostering team cohesion, her influence is felt across the locker room and campus (essentiallysports.com).
Over the years, the Popes have raised four daughters—Ella, Avery, Layla, and Shay—across multiple NBA and college towns, instilling values of faith, resilience, and community. Their family unit operates almost like a second basketball team, with Anne playing quarterback—her fatherly wisdom on full display in parenting, community outreach, and building a family-first culture around the program (essentiallysports.com).
Beyond the court, the Popes are known for their warm, engaging personalities. Anne’s quick wit and grounded presence often shine during public appearances. A lighthearted moment from October 2024 saw her teasing Mark at a UK Alumni luncheon for his overuse of the words “beautiful” and “special”—a reminder that behind every elite coach is a loving partner with a sense of humor (on3.com).
This anniversary comes amid a blossoming chapter at Kentucky. As the Wildcats gear up for summer camps that began in early June—including the popular Father/Daughter and Father/Son Camps—Mark is energized by both the team’s incoming talent and the deep-rooted support Anne provides (ukathletics.com). With senior guard Otega Oweh’s dramatic reveal of his return, delivered during a thrilling in-flight phone call, the energy on campus is electric—and Anne’s role behind the scenes has been pivotal in creating the environment that allowed such moments to flourish (aseaofblue.com).
As they mark this 26th wedding anniversary, the Popes are celebrating more than shared years—they’re honoring a shared mission: building competitive teams and nurturing vibrant relationships, both in their family and in the heart of Big Blue Nation.
Here’s to many more years of love, laughter, and life—on and off the hardwood—for Mark and Lee Anne Pope.
Happy Anniversary, Popes! 💙
