On March 12, a week after the season ended for the Georgia Southern women's basketball team, it was announced that head coach Anita Howard and Georgia Southern mutually agreed to part ways.
Howard was hired to be the head coach for Georgia Southern's women basketball team in April of 2019. Her hiring made her the 8th head coach in program history and the first African American female head coach for Georgia Southern.
Howard made an immediate impact as she helped Georgia Southern improve their record in her first season from 7-22 to 10-20. The program would continue to improve over the next few seasons. In the 2022-23 season, Howard and the Lady Eagles won 21 games. It was the first 20-win season in two decades for Georgia Southern women's basketball. The Lady Eagles improved their record in each of Howard's first 4 seasons.
The 2023-24 season did not go as planned for Howard and her team. After a 12-3 start, the team dropped 11 straight games and struggled in conference play. Despite the rough second half to the season, Georgia Southern was able to defeat Texas State in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament. The season ended with a loss to Louisiana Monroe in the second round.
Accolades and Accomplishments
- 75-71 Record
- Defeated Northern Illinois in 13th Annual Women's Basketball Invitational for GS WBB's 1st national postseason win
- Led team to 1st national postseason appearance in 49 years
- Most wins in a season with 21 since 02-03 season ('22-23)
- 11th 20-win season in program history ('22-23)
- Improved record for 4 straight seasons (First time in program history)
- Won her 200 Career Game in 2023
Howard changed the landscape for Georgia Southern women's basketball. A team that struggled for years before her hire turned into a force in the Sun Belt Conference. Her coaching not only left an impact on the play of her players, but she also helped shape them into better people. Georgia Southern seniors Constance Thomas, Simone James, and Ja'nya Love-Hill all spoke on their experiences with Coach Howard.
Love-Hill has played for Georgia Southern for 5 years and was set to play for Coach Howard at Columbus State before she got the job in Statesboro. "Coach Howard over these last 5 years taught me what is it like to not only be a black woman in this world full of hate, but also how to be a strong black woman in a leadership position," Love-Hill said. Love-Hill also said that she and Howard shared an emotional embrace on her senior night.
James came from California to play at Georgia Southern and spoke on how Howard was more than just a coach. "She is someone who cared for you as a person and not just an athlete," James said. "She is like the mother to the team and everybody needs someone like that especially when times get hard. She taught me not to let anybody take your joy and that's something that will always stick with me."
Thomas transferred to Georgia Southern after her freshman year at Penn State. Howard recruited Thomas out of high school. "She motivated me to work hard, stay focused and never give up, both in sports and in life," Thomas said. "Her guidance has helped me conquer challenges, build confidence, and develop a positive mindset, contributing to my overall growth as an athlete and person."
Coach Howard posted a statement on her Instagram saying goodbye to Eagle Nation. "Thank you Eagle Nation for 5 wonderful years of memories I will forever hold near my heart," Howard wrote.
Georgia Southern has hired Hana Haden as Howard's replacement. The team is going to look very different next season as several players have entered the transfer portal.
