After the sudden leave of Assistant Coach Jada Mincy, former Lady Bison Anna Bowers will step in as Assistant Coach for the 2013-2014 season.
The 23-year-old Bowers had been given the title of Director of Basketball Operations for the staff at the beginning of this year, but she has now accepted the title of Coach Bowers. She graduated two years ago and was a standout athlete for the Lady Bisons from 2008 to 2012.
“Right now, I don’t have the experience of being a college coach, but I was just in the girls’ shoes,” Bowers said. “I’m young and know what they are going through; I really think I can use my skills to help them through this journey. Not only as good people for this community, but great basketball players as well.”
There is definitely a great respect between Bowers and Lady Bison Head Coach Greg Brown.
“Anna is someone that people look for to hire. She has great work ethic, and she buys into the values we have for this team. It’s always important to have someone that understands the culture of our program,” Brown said.
“I was shocked with the whole situation,” Bowers said. “ My first reaction was I was flattered that he asked me. The fact that I get to work and learn under a coach that I respect so much is an honor.”
This year with the Lady Bisons will be Bowers’ first year coaching at the collegiate level. Along with playing for four years in college, she has also coached at Ensworth High School.
“I’m really excited to learn from all the coaches. I think I’m going to see what it takes to manage a team and to do it successfully,” Bowers said. “Coach Brown surrounds himself with people that will always make the program better. I think he is a fantastic coach, and I’m really looking forward to picking his brain in all aspects of the game.”
Instead of seeing Anna Bowers in basketball shoes and a uniform, she will have traded all of that in for coaching apparel. Whether she is playing or coaching, the support from the community is important to her and the team.
“It’s a program that is well supported by the community and the school, ” Bowers said. “It’s something I have a great time being a part of.”
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics.