Supported by the NCAA, the program's mission is to promote the collegiate athletic coaching profession to ethnic minority basketball coaches, enhance leadership skills, support opportunities for collegiate minority basketball coaches, in addition to identify, recruit and retain ethnic minorities in the collegiate coaching profession.

"The ACE program was a wonderful opportunity for professional development and I'm glad I was fortunate to have had the chance to participate," Copeland said.  "In addition to building relationships with coaches from across the country, it was a great experience learning what other individuals have done to reach their ultimate goal of becoming a head coach.  I would like to thank the BCA, NCAA support staff and everyone involved in the program for their guidance, leadership and support."

This year's program included 18 collegiate women's basketball coaches and six men's basketball coaches.  Participants were offered the chance to exchange ideas with colleagues, learn from current industry leaders, understand game-day pressures, explore the importance of on-campus relations, receive media training, enhance interviewing skills and learn essentials of managing a staff during the four-day program.

The BCA collaborated with the NCAA and committee on Women's Athletics and the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee in 2002 to further the mission and vision of advancement for minority women in athletics.  Prior to last month's event, 28 of the 90 previous participants have attained the title of head basketball coach.