Coach Sampson’s recent emotional display at the senior night ceremony has ignited curiosity about his emotional and personal side.
Highlights
- Coach Kelvin Sampson became emotional during the senior night ceremony before a game against the Kansas Jayhawks, sharing a heartfelt moment with forward J’Wan Roberts that led to visible tears.
- Karen Lowery, Kelvin’s wife, has a background in education and has been an active member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization for over 25 years. She also joined the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees in 2018.
- Kelvin and Karen have two children: Lauren and Kellen. Lauren is the Director of External Operations for the University of Houston’s men’s basketball team, while Kellen is the head coach-in-waiting.
Kelvin Sampson, the esteemed head coach of the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team, recently garnered attention when he became emotional before a game against the Kansas Jayhawks.
During the senior night ceremony, Sampson shared a heartfelt moment with forward J’Wan Roberts, which led to visible tears from the coach.
Kelvin Sampson couldn’t hold back his emotions seeing J’Wan Roberts on Senior Night 🥹❤️
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 4, 2025
(via @gocoogs1)
pic.twitter.com/46ITrZDNWA
This renewed attention has once again put the spotlight on coach Sampson, including his wife, Karen Lowry, and their two successful children, Lauren and Kellen.
Kelvin And Karen Are High School Sweethearts
Central to Kelvin’s journey is his wife, Karen Lowery.
Their story began in a history class at Pembroke High School, where Kelvin’s father was the teacher.
Karen reminisced about their initial interaction, noting that Kelvin invited her to his home under the pretense of discussing a history assignment—a tactic she found amusing, given his father’s role as their teacher.
Their relationship blossomed over six years, culminating in marriage in 1980.
Kelvin Sampson’s wife Karen on her husband’s journey to get where he is w/ @UHCougarMBK: “We started at have-nots.When u don’t have the best players.U don’t have the best facilities.U don’t have. U got to make your have-nots a have..This is nothing new for him.This is in his DNA” pic.twitter.com/Ceov7dEvkE
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) March 26, 2022
Karen pursued a career in education, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education.
She has taught at various institutions, including East Lansing, Michigan.
Beyond teaching, Karen has been an active member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization for over 25 years, reflecting her dedication to community service and empowerment.
In 2018, she furthered her commitment to education by joining the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees.
I am proud of my wife Karen at her first UNC Pembroke @uncpembroke Graduation as a member of the Board of Trustees. Congratulations to all of the graduates from a Proud Alumnus! @UNCP_Sports #GoBraves pic.twitter.com/2cz7iNZvYO
— Coach Kelvin Sampson (@CoachSampsonUH) May 4, 2019
The Sampson Children Are Both Highly Accomplished In The World Of Basketball
Kelvin and Karen have two children: Lauren and Kellen, both of whom have carved out significant roles within the basketball community.
Lauren Sampson serves as the Director of External Operations for the University of Houston’s men’s basketball team.
In this capacity, she oversees various facets of the program, including marketing, community outreach, and fostering relationships with alumni and supporters.
Her efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the team’s public presence and engagement.
Kellen Sampson embarked on his coaching career at the University of Houston in 2014, starting as an assistant coach.
His dedication and acumen led to his designation as the head coach-in-waiting in 2023, positioning him to succeed his father in the future.
Kellen’s contributions have been pivotal in recruiting and player development, reinforcing the program’s competitive stature.
Kellen is married to Tonya, and together they have two children: a daughter, Maisy Jade, and a son, Kylen Ned.
The family’s involvement in basketball extends beyond the court, with their shared experiences enriching the team’s culture.
Kelvin Has Had An Illustrious Coaching Career Of Over Four Decades
Notable achievements across various institutions mark Kelvin Sampson’s coaching trajectory.
Sampson began as a graduate assistant at Michigan State University in 1979, followed by assistant coaching roles at Montana Tech and Washington State.
After joining Washington State University in 1987 as head coach, he led the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade, earning recognition as Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 1991.
Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson on ASU's seven-game home losing streak:
— Sun Devil Daily (@SunDevilDaily) February 19, 2025
"I hate to see it. I've been there, we all have. I coached a team at Washington State that lost 18 (games) in a row. It's not easy. It affects every part of your life."
"It's amazing how people use that… pic.twitter.com/sGMRAwsXaj
In 1994, he left WSU for the University of Oklahoma, where his tenure included multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a Final Four berth in 2002.
He was honored as AP Coach of the Year in 1995.
After 10 years in Oklahoma, Sampson started coaching the Indiana University Hoosiers in 2006, leading them to NCAA Tournament appearances before resigning amid NCAA violations related to recruiting practices.
Absolutely hilarious Kelvin Sampson was forced to resign at Indiana in 2008 because of too many text messages & phone calls.
— Ryan McIntyre (@Moneyline_Mac) February 7, 2025
43-15 & 22-4 mid-February of his 2nd year. One of the biggest what ifs… Indiana would have won a National Championship with Sampson, maybe multiple. pic.twitter.com/XQiusss74x
He left Indiana in 2008 for an opening in the NBA. He served as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets, gaining valuable professional experience.
Since 2014, Sampson’s leadership at the University of Houston has revitalized the Cougars, culminating in a Final Four appearance in 2021 and consistent top-tier performances.
A year ago, Houston left the AAC for the Big 12.
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) March 4, 2025
After starting 1-2 in league play, they have proceeded to go 35-3 in Big 12 games since, in the second toughest league in college hoops.
This program is absurd. Kelvin Sampson is absurd.
UNREAL job that team and staff have done pic.twitter.com/9guUVzjZLf
His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, resilience, and academic excellence.
Throughout his career, Kelvin has been lauded for his ability to transform programs and mentor young athletes, fostering both athletic and personal growth.
The Sampson Family Is Rooted In The Love Of Basketball
The Sampson family’s narrative is deeply intertwined with basketball, reflecting a shared passion and commitment to the sport.
Karen’s background in education complements Kelvin’s coaching philosophy, emphasizing holistic development.
Lauren and Kellen’s professional roles within the University of Houston’s basketball program signify a family dedication that extends beyond individual accolades, contributing collectively to the team’s success.
Additional Information
- Kelvin Sampson is a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. His father, John W. “Ned” Sampson, was one of the 500 Lumbee Native Americans who made national news by driving the Ku Klux Klan out of Maxton, North Carolina, in what is annually celebrated by the Lumbee as the Battle of Hayes Pond.
- During his time at Pembroke State University (now UNC Pembroke), Sampson was not only a standout athlete but also earned Dean’s List recognition throughout his collegiate career and received the Gregory Lowe Memorial Award as the school’s outstanding physical education major his senior year.
