SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Later this week, Savannah native Anita Howard will be on the sidelines as an assistant coach for Mississippi State as the Bulldogs start their quest for a national title.

Recently, exclusively caught up with Coach Howard. We talked about her current role, her future role in coaching and her departure from Georgia Southern.

On March 12, 2024, Georgia Southern and Anita Howard agreed to mutually part ways, according to a statement release by the school. It was a shock to many.

In the 2023-24 season, the Lady Eagles did have a disappointing 15-18 campaign with only four conference wins. However, the previous season, Georgia Southern went 12-6 in the Sun Belt. They finished tied for fourth and were a win out of a three-way tie for first place.

“I’m learning,” Howard said. “I’m growing my craft, I’m soaking up and I’m trying to be better for Coach Purcell at this level, there’s no hard feelings. I wish them nothing but success moving forward.”

Five weeks after her time ended in Statesboro, Howard landed at Mississippi State under head coach Sam Purcell. Howard’s title at Mississippi State is assistant women’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator.

The Beach Alum went right to work. She brought in her best player from Georgia Southern, Jesup native Teran Ward, and a post player, Kayla Thomas.

“Bringing the energy working in the SEC has been phenomenal just to see how they do it,” Howard said. “Being able to coach some of the best of the best athletes every single night.”

After a year of not being the person to make all the decisions, I asked Coach Howard if she wanted to be a head coach again.

“As of right now, no,” Howard said. “I’m learning. I’m soaking in all and day-by-day, it’s way more difficult at this level at the head seat. So, I’m perfectly fine where I am right now.”

On March 21, Howard will be in Los Angeles, Calif. as Mississippi State plays its first-round game against California, a No. 8 seed. The game will be at 5:30 p.m. hosted by Southern California. They are in the Spokane 4 regional.