Head women’s basketball coach Jamie Purdy has announced Christian Buckmire will be added as assistant women’s basketball coach. Buckmire rejoins the staff in a full-time role after spending two seasons (2015-17) with the Lady Lions as a student assistant.
Buckmire has spent several seasons at the high school level at both Dutchtown High School from 2017-2019 and Druid Hills High School in Dekalb from 2019-2022. During those stops he supervised training sessions and individual workouts while maintaining records for the programs.
“I’m looking forward to working with Christian again,” Purdy said. “We’re fortunate to have someone that is familiar with Piedmont, our program and what we stand for returning to our staff.”
“It’s truly a blessing and an honor to be back at Piedmont and have this opportunity,” Buckmire said. “I can’t thank Coach Purdy enough for trusting and believing in me to be by her side helping her develop this next generation of student athletes.”
While at Dutchtown High School, Buckmire helped guide the first class 5-A regional championship team as they made an elite 8 state championship run. He served as the JV and Varsity assistant coach along with being the recruiting coordinator for the program.
Tasked with creating scouting reports, breaking down film and connecting with college coaches, Buckmire contributed in all aspects across the program.
“It’s kind of surreal being back at Piedmont because Coach Purdy gave me my very first opportunity to be a coach and allowed me to use my love and passion for the game to educate those who then were my peers,” Buckmire said. “I am eternally grateful for her.”
As a student assistant at Piedmont, Buckmire helped direct individual and small group practice sessions under Purdy. He managed statistics, logistics and contributed to game strategy components during back-to-back conference tournament championship seasons for the Lady Lions.
Buckmire earned his degree in interdisciplinary studies from Piedmont College in 2017. He will assist Purdy in all facets of the women’s basketball program.
