What happens when one of the most respected minds in women’s basketball returns home to build something historic? You get the incredible story of Coach Damitria “Coach D” Buchanan — a proud Houston native, visionary recruiter, and leader on a mission to bring the H-Town heat back to the hardwood.
From her roots in Houston’s basketball culture to her rise as one of the sharpest assistants in the college game, Coach D’s story is built on faith, fire, and fearlessness. Now, after 14 years of coaching success, she’s back where it all started — ready to lead the University of Houston Women’s Basketball program into a new era in the Big 12.
Growing up during the days of the Houston Comets and Rockets dynasties, Coach D’s path to basketball wasn’t typical. She was a musician first — until seventh grade, when a basketball and a spark of curiosity changed everything.
At 6’3”, she became a defensive powerhouse in Texas AAU basketball, eventually earning a scholarship to Texas A&M, where she helped lay the foundation for the Aggies’ championship culture. Though she graduated a year before the team’s 2011 NCAA title, her fingerprints are all over that winning legacy.
Coach D’s coaching résumé is a masterclass in grit. From Stephen F. Austin to Auburn, and now back home in Houston, she’s built programs that reflect her signature — energy, empathy, and excellence.
“Basketball has taught me resilience,” she says. “You don’t get everything right the first time, but you grow through every challenge.”
Her coaching philosophy centers on relationships — creating space for players to be competitive and confident, tough and authentic.
With Houston’s move to the Big 12, the competition is fierce — but so is the opportunity. Coach D knows the city’s overflowing talent pool could make the Cougars unstoppable.
“If we can get Houston kids to stay home, we’ll be dangerous. We’ve got the resources, the facilities, and the family atmosphere to compete with anybody.”
From the Jordan Brand partnership to a deep community connection, Houston is more than a basketball program — it’s a movement. And Coach D is leading the charge to make H-Town hoops electric again.
Away from the sidelines, Coach D is every bit as authentic. She’s passionate about mentoring young women, championing diversity in sports, and representing her city with pride. She wants the world to know that Houston basketball — and HBCU-bred excellence — belongs on the national stage.
Her message to the city: “There are 4 million people here. If we can get 10,000 of them in the building, we can change the game.”
Coach D isn’t just coaching for wins — she’s building a legacy. Her goal: turn the University of Houston into a perennial powerhouse and create opportunities for the next generation of women who love the game.
🎙️ Tune in to this episode of SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next with hosts Head Coach KT and B Jones, as they dive deep into Coach D’s journey, her blueprint for building Cougar Nation, and how she’s shaping the future of women’s basketball in the Big 12.
💬 Expect laughter, leadership, and lessons from one of the most genuine voices in the game.
📱 Follow Coach D on Instagram @coachdbuchanan
❤️ Support @UHCougarWBB this season
🎧 Subscribe to SportsLifeTalk: You Got Next on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen
🏀 From Houston Roots to College Stardom💪 The Coaching Grind: Resilience, Rebuilds, and Relationships🐾 Building Cougar Nation: The Big 12 Era🌟 Off the Court: The Human Behind the Hustle🔥 The Future of Houston Women’s Basketball🏀 Follow the Movement