Mark Pope is well-known as the head coach of Brigham Young University’s basketball team, but many fans are curious about his personal life, particularly his wife, Lee Anne.
Lee Anne Pope plays a significant role in the BYU basketball program, actively maintaining relationships with the team’s players and alumni.
Born into a coaching family, Lee Anne is the daughter of the late Lynn Archibald, former head coach at Idaho State and Utah. Her background has provided her with a unique perspective on the game and allows her to connect with the players in a meaningful way.
Lee Anne first met Mark in the late 90s when she was working as David Letterman’s personal assistant. Introduced by her brother Damon Archibald, Mark and Lee Anne hit it off right away, with her brother remarking that Mark was the male version of her.
The couple communicated by phone and email before finally meeting in person at an Indiana Pacers game where Mark was playing.
Mark and Lee Anne tied the knot in August 1999 and have since welcomed four daughters into their family: Ella, Avery, Layla, and Shay. Ella, the oldest daughter, followed in her father’s footsteps and played basketball at Ohio University.
In a recent interview with Deseret, Lee Anne described her role in the basketball program as that of a “mom-and-pop shop,” aiming to show love and support to the players. Mark also praised her ability to connect with the team, saying, “In some ways, she can see some things in them before I can see them.”
