Allen University welcomes Olivia Gaines as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach, bringing her experience from coaching at Georgia Southern and leading Richard Bland College to an NJCAA Division II National Runner-Up finish. Gaines, a South Carolina native, is excited to return to her home state and expressed gratitude to the university's leadership for their support. With a track record of success at USC Salkehatchie and as a high school head coach, Gaines is seen as the ideal match for the university and its student-athletes. Her achievements as a player, including two SEC Championships and a National Championship at South Carolina, position her as a source of inspiration for the team. The announcement also creates an interesting dynamic as Gaines will now coach in the same city as her former mentor, Women's Basketball Hall of Famer and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley.

By the Numbers
  • Gaines led Richard Bland College to an NJCAA Division II National Runner-Up finish
  • During the 2020-21 campaign, Gaines led USC Salkehatchie to a 20-2 overall mark
State of Play
  • Olivia Gaines has been appointed as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach at Allen University
  • Gaines has prior coaching experience at Georgia Southern, USC Salkehatchie, and high schools in South Carolina
  • Her success as a player includes two SEC Championships and a National Championship at South Carolina
Bottom Line

Olivia Gaines' appointment as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Allen University signifies a significant addition to the university's athletic leadership, with her extensive coaching experience and notable achievements as a player adding considerable value to the program and its student-athletes.