North Carolina Central's new head coach, Olivia Gaines, has finalized her women's basketball staff by adding assistants Brett Vana and Rakim Gregory. Both coaches join returning staff Cassie King and Austyn Chestnut to prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 season, aiming to improve on last season's (9-20) overall and (5-9) conference records. Vana brings a championship mindset from Louisburg College, where he coached Gaines, while Gregory, with a strong recruiting background, contributed to Allen University's impressive performance during Gaines' tenure there.

By the Numbers
  • Brett Vana led Louisburg College to a national junior college championship with a 63-5 record over two seasons.
  • Under Gregory’s coaching at Allen, the team achieved a 36-19 record, and set school records with 18 overall wins and 16 conference wins.
Yes, But

The team's coaching dynamics could face challenges as they blend the experiences and strategies of new and returning staff members, particularly after a struggling previous season.

State of Play
  • North Carolina Central is preparing for a new season determined to improve past performance metrics.
  • The addition of two experienced coaches aims to enhance recruitment and player development.
What's Next

Look for North Carolina Central to focus on integrating the new staff quickly to refine strategies and player development, setting the stage for a more competitive season.

Bottom Line

The Eagles are poised for potential turnaround success with a revamped coaching staff led by experienced professionals; collaboration and strategic implementation will be key to their improvement.