In the realm of college basketball, there have been few coaches who bring the depth of experience similar to what Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson does. Starting his career at just 24 years of age, Sampson has devoted over 45 years to the game. Wherever he’s coached, Sampson has built competitive teams with consistent playoff runs, earning respect across the sport.

But there’s one thing that’s endured as long as Kelvin Sampson’s coaching career—his relationship with his lifelong partner. Their love story began years before Sampson chose coaching, a journey that started in the late 1970s. So who is the woman who captured Sampson’s heart all those years ago, standing by his side through every season and setback?

Kelvin Sampson’s long love story with Karen Lowry

The woman who has walked hand in hand with Kelvin Sampson through all of life’s highs and lows is Karen Lowry. Their story began at Pembroke High School, where the two first met and formed a bond that would last a lifetime. Both hailing from nearby neighborhoods, their first meeting happened in a history class at Pembroke. Adding a twist to their love story, Karen’s father taught at the very same school, but that didn’t deter Sampson from pursuing her.

“I remember the first time Kelvin called me at home. He asked me what our history assignment was,” Karen Sampson told The Oklahoman in 1999. After graduating, Karen attended the University of North Carolina, just like Sampson. After over six years of dating, they took the next big step and married in 1980. Both in their twenties and full of dreams, they embarked on life’s journey hand in hand, ready for whatever lay ahead.

“Started dating when we were 16 and we’ve been married now for 43 years. A special place in heaven for coaches’ wives I’m telling you,” Kelvin Sampson shared in an interview with Paper City, reflecting on his lifelong partnership. Karen has stood by Sampson’s side from those early days, offering her steady support through the ups and downs of his lengthy coaching journey.

Reflecting on his relationship, Kelvin expressed deep pride in Karen’s unwavering support, which has helped him stay focused throughout his career. “I don’t really care about (the spotlight),” he said. “I’ve got the best assistant coach I’ve ever had — my wife (Karen). Being with my family, investing in my program, that’s been the highlight of my career,” Sampson told The Robesonian in 2015.

Sampson has also been grateful for a partner like Karen, who he believes, is an honest person with a golden heart. “Probably the best person I’ve ever been around is Karen,” he revealed in a past interview. While Sampson fully immerses himself in the basketball world, Karen Lowry has kept herself busy carving a path for self.

Karen Lowry’s professional background and family built with Kelvin Sampson

In the early 1970s, Karen Lowry earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, graduating cum laude. Before moving to East Lansing, Michigan, in the late 1970s, she made her mark in the classroom. But she hasn’t just confined herself to the teaching field.

Beyond her teaching career, Karen has made significant contributions to the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees since 2018. Her commitment to education and community service shines through her 25-plus years of involvement with the Philanthropic Educational Organization. Karen deeply invests in community development, reflecting her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Karen’s attitude reflects in Sampson’s words as well. “So we’ve lived full time in seven states. She’s either built or bought seven homes. And then we have two more homes in North Carolina presently. She’s been the straw that stirred the drink. Everybody knows about me and everything, but behind the scenes she’s the one who keeps this thing together,” the Cougar head coach stated earlier.

Their beautiful love story has also blossomed into a wonderful family. Kelvin and Karen Sampson are proud parents to two children: a daughter named Lauren and a son named Kellen. Lauren currently serves as the basketball director of external operations at the University of Houston, while Kellen is an assistant coach for the Cougars.

When you look at the big picture, it’s clear that while Kelvin Sampson may not have reached the pinnacle of success in his professional career—lacking that coveted championship—he has undoubtedly triumphed in his personal life. With a supportive partner like Karen Lowry by his side, he has found a winning formula in love.