AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn women’s basketball associate head coach Damitria Buchanan and men’s basketball assistant Ira Bowman recently participated in the SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum, a two-day event held in Atlanta.
The SEC launched the program this year, which was focused on professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for selected assistant coaches.
Buchanan, entering her fourth season on the Plains, was promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2022-23 season. She participated in the inaugural Next Generation Institute by the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association at the 2023 WBCA Convention, and she was named to the list of Top 50 Most Impactful High Major Assistant Coaches following that season.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the SEC Opportunity Forum,” Buchanan said. “The experience was truly transformative, and I appreciated hearing from pioneers not only in the SEC but throughout college athletics. I am a better coach and person because of that experience, and I’m so proud to be part of a conference that cares and invests in the development of its coaches.”
Bowman is entering his seventh season on the Auburn men’s basketball staff. He was named one of the top five high major assistant coaches in the country by MCA.com and has helped put together some of the top recruiting classes in Auburn history.
“The SEC Forum is concrete evidence of Commissioner (Greg) Sankey and the SEC standing on what they believe in,” Bowman said, “by promoting a platform of developmental growth and elevation. Truly grateful to have been a part.”
According to a release from the SEC, the forum aimed to empower coaches with the knowledge and skills necessary to ascend to a head coaching position in their respective sports. The two-day event held in Atlanta featured a comprehensive lineup of panels and sessions aimed at providing guidance on navigating the coaching landscape.