Rising Above

In the realm of collegiate sports, there are teams that defy expectations and redefine what is possible. The Georgia Southern women’s basketball team is one such powerhouse, led by the indomitable Coach Anita Howard. As the first female African American head coach at Georgia Southern, Howard’s unwavering belief in her players and her own remarkable journey have propelled the team to new heights, transforming them into a force to be reckoned with on the court.

“I definitely think it’s a season to remember, good and bad,” said Howard. “The bad is we didn’t win the championship. But the good outweighs the bad; winning 21 games, to get invited to postseason play, to win the first ever NCAA postseason game for Georgia Southern. We are definitely trending in the right direction. The thing I’m most proud of is that we have no one in the transfer portal. So everyone is loving the culture, everyone is loving Georgia Southern.”

That culture is inspired by Howard’s own remarkable odyssey. Her story began when her skills on the court earned her recognition as the Georgia High School Player of the Year. Despite the lure of big Division I programs, Howard chose a different path, opting to stay close to home and attend Fort Valley State University. Howard played an instrumental role in leading her team to multiple championships, etching her name in the history of the program.

Life took an unexpected turn for Howard when she became a mother while still in college. Many doubted her ability to balance motherhood and basketball, but Howard was determined to prove them wrong. In Savannah, she enrolled at Armstrong State University and showcased her resilience by trying out for the basketball team just six weeks after giving birth. Howard’s passion for the game and her undeniable talent impacted the program immediately, helping her team win a conference championship.

In a way, Howard has come home to complete her rise as a Division I coach.

“You know when I came here it was kind of a surreal moment because Georgia Southern, of course, had consolidated with Armstrong,” said Howard. “And so it was almost like literally coming home coaching for my now alma mater, Georgia Southern.” 

“I really appreciated Georgia Southern for giving me an opportunity because not only was I the first African American female coach here, I was also a Division II coach at Columbus State. And to me, Georgia Southern was a blank canvas, they were at the bottom of the conference and I wanted to put my stamp on it.”

Howard has definitely put her stamp on it. With a keen eye for talent and a deep appreciation for the diverse paths that her players may take, Howard actively seeks out those with unique backgrounds and experiences. She understands that greatness knows no bounds and that every player, regardless of their circumstances, has the potential to make a significant impact on the court. Howard champions the idea that motherhood and personal challenges should never be seen as obstacles but rather as sources of strength and determination. As a result, the team is a diverse tapestry with players hailing from various backgrounds and embodying the spirit of perseverance and unity.

Terren Ward, a returning senior, was named the Georgia Women’s Basketball Player of the Year for the 2022-2023 season, the first time a student-athlete from Georgia Southern women’s basketball has been so honored. She also earned first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors, the first Eagle to be named a first-team honoree since Georgia Southern joined the league in 2014. 

Ward described her emotions after winning the Player of the Year award.

“I was excited, you know because I didn’t really expect it,” said Ward. “I was kind of down after not winning the Sun Belt Player of the Year. So getting that award was really cool.”

When asked about the influence of Howard, Ward does not hesitate.

“She’s really helped me with my mental toughness,” said Ward. “Just always being there, knowing she’s always in my corner whenever I’m going through something. That helps so much.”

And Ward’s aspiration for the team next season?

“To win a ring, it’s as simple as that! We have everybody back for next season and we’ve got a few new pieces that I think are going to click well with us.”

As the team continues to forge its path under Howard’s guidance, they are not only building a legacy on the court but also embracing the invaluable life lessons that basketball imparts. With their eyes set on championship aspirations, the Georgia Southern women’s basketball team stands united, driven by their unwavering leader who knows firsthand that the greatest victories often come from the most extraordinary journeys.

–– Liz Walker
Photos by AJ Henderson and Greg Martin