Gaines brings championship pedigree to NCCU women's basketball

May 15, 2026 - 04:37

After learning under legendary coach Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina, Olivia Gaines is stepping into her first head coaching role at North Carolina Central University. Gaines, who played for the Gamecocks during a period of national dominance, now aims to build a winning culture in Durham.

Gaines was part of South Carolina's 2017 NCAA championship team and appeared in two Final Fours. Her playing career also included a stint at Georgia Tech before she transitioned into coaching. She spent the last six seasons as an assistant at programs like Clemson and Georgia, where she focused on player development and recruiting.

At NCCU, Gaines inherits a program that has struggled to find consistent success in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Eagles have not posted a winning season since 2016. Gaines said she plans to emphasize defensive intensity and a fast-paced offense, traits she learned from Staley's system.

"I want to bring a championship mindset here," Gaines said. "The players need to believe they can compete at the highest level, and we will build that belief every day in practice."

NCCU athletic officials expressed confidence in Gaines's ability to connect with student-athletes and elevate the program's profile. Her hiring marks a new chapter for the Eagles, who hope to climb the MEAC standings under a coach with firsthand knowledge of what it takes to win a national title.