North Carolina Central University has named Olivia Gaines as the head coach of its women's basketball program, tasking her with reshaping a squad that finished last season with a 9‑20 overall record and a 5‑9 mark in the conference.
A Championship pedigree returns to Durham
Gaines has surrounded herself with a pair of veteran assistants who promise to inject championship experience into the Eagles' bench. Brett Vana, a coach celebrated for guiding Louisburg College to a national junior‑college title, arrives after a two‑year stint that produced a 63‑5 record and two Final Four appearances.
Vana's international résumé includes stops in Switzerland, Denmark and Germany, as well as extensive work at the Division I level, giving him a broad perspective that complements his deep ties to Gaines dating back to their Louisburg days.
Complementing Vana, Rakim Gregory brings a reputation for player development and recruiting acumen. At Allen University, Gregory helped set new win records, produced the institution's first SIAC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, and thrived at high‑profile travel events such as the Nike EYBL, Under Armour and adidas tournaments.
Both assistants share a history with Gaines, having previously collaborated with her at earlier coaching stops, a connection that could accelerate the integration of new schemes and philosophies as the Eagles prepare for the 2026‑27 campaign.
The program hopes the combined expertise of Vana and Gregory will lift the team out of its recent slump and translate the talent on the roster into tangible success on the national stage.