The claim that Mark Pope, head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, and his wife, Anne, are celebrating their 26th wedding anniversary in 2025 appears to be inaccurate based on verified sources. Instead, Mark Pope is married to Lee Anne Pope, and they celebrated their 25th anniversary in August 2024, as noted in reports from Sportskeeda and other outlets. Despite the confusion in names, the sentiment of a couple growing older together, united and stronger, perfectly captures the enduring partnership of Mark and Lee Anne Pope, a cornerstone of their journey from college athletes to Kentucky’s basketball royalty.
Mark and Lee Anne Pope, married in August 1999, have built a remarkable life together, rooted in shared values, basketball, and faith. Lee Anne, the daughter of the late Utah coach Lynn Archibald, grew up immersed in the sport, giving her a unique perspective that complements Mark’s coaching career. Their love story began at a 1998 basketball camp when Lee Anne’s brother, Damon, introduced them, describing Mark as “the male version” of his sister. After six nights of late-night calls and emails, their bond solidified, leading to a marriage that has weathered NBA stints, coaching moves, and the pressures of leading Kentucky’s storied program. Their four daughters—Ella, Avery, Layla, and Shay—complete a family that embodies resilience and unity.
Lee Anne’s role as Mark’s partner extends beyond the personal. Known as the “mom of the program” at BYU, where Mark coached from 2019 to 2024, she baked cookies for opposing players, a gesture praised by former Wildcat Rex Chapman as unique in college basketball. Her basketball IQ, honed from childhood, makes her Mark’s “No. 1 counselor,” as he told Deseret.com. At Kentucky, where Mark took over in 2024, Lee Anne’s influence is evident in moments like their lighthearted jab at Louisville’s “Cardinal” mascot during a 2024 alumni luncheon, showcasing their shared humor and love for Big Blue Nation.
Mark’s first season at Kentucky, culminating in a 24-12 record and a Sweet 16 appearance in 2025—the program’s first in six years—underscored the strength of their partnership. Lee Anne’s support was visible courtside, from a heartfelt embrace after a 77-72 upset over No. 6 Duke to her navigating Lexington’s traffic when she ran out of gas, prompting Mark to rush to her aid, a story that endeared them to fans. “I’m madly in love with her,” Mark said at a press conference, per Your Sports Edge, highlighting her as his “best friend” and the anchor of his life.
Their 25 years together, marked by moves from Utah Valley to BYU to Kentucky, reflect a partnership forged in sacrifice and joy. Lee Anne’s choice to support Mark’s coaching over his medical school path at Columbia in 2009, despite her mother’s playful hope for a plastic surgeon son-in-law, speaks to their shared vision. As they approach their 26th year in 2025, the Popes’ love, faith, and commitment to each other and their players make them a beacon of unity, proving they’re stronger than ever in Lexington’s spotlight.
