Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Reunited with Daughter After Mission Trip

Pope skipped postgame duties to greet daughter Avery at the airport after her 17-month mission trip to El Salvador.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 1:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kentucky men's basketball coach Mark Pope rushed to the airport after a win over Oklahoma to reunite with his daughter Avery, who had been on a 17-month mission trip to El Salvador. Pope's wife and other daughters left the game early to ensure they were at the airport on time to welcome Avery home. The coach expressed his pride in his daughter's commitment and the impact her experience had on their family.

Why it matters

The story highlights the personal sacrifices and family adjustments that can come with a child pursuing a long-term mission or service trip, especially for parents. It also showcases the deep pride and appreciation a parent can have for a child who chooses to dedicate themselves to serving others.

The details

After Kentucky's win over Oklahoma, Coach Pope skipped his usual postgame radio show and press conference to rush to the airport and greet his daughter Avery, who was returning from a 17-month mission trip to El Salvador. Pope's wife LeeAnne and their other two daughters left the game early to make sure they were at the airport on time to welcome Avery home. The coach joked that he got help from police and airport security to make it to the airport in time for Avery's arrival, which he called "magical and awesome and brilliant." Pope expressed his admiration for his daughter's commitment to stepping away from her college life and tennis career to dedicate herself to serving others during the mission trip.

  • Avery Pope had been on the mission trip since the fall of 2024.
  • Avery Pope returned home in February 2026.

The players

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky men's basketball team.

Avery Pope

The daughter of Coach Mark Pope who went on a 17-month mission trip to El Salvador.

LeeAnne Pope

The wife of Coach Mark Pope.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was magical and awesome and brilliant. I'm so grateful there were so many people that just helped us make that happen. It was really special for our family.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Men's Basketball

“I don't know if it's the greatest blessing in the world, but one of the greatest blessings in the world is watching your children inspire you.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Men's Basketball

The takeaway

This story highlights the profound impact a child's selfless decision to dedicate themselves to service and mission work can have on a family, inspiring deep pride and appreciation in their parents even as it requires significant personal sacrifice and adjustment.