Former Gamecock Olivia Gaines Making Waves as Allen University Head Coach
Olivia Gaines, a proud alumna of South Carolina and former Gamecock under Dawn Staley, is making an immediate impact in her new role as head coach of the Allen University women’s basketball team. After stepping into a program that had just one winning season since transitioning to NCAA Division II in 2021, Gaines has already begun changing the narrative.
In her first season at the helm, Gaines led the Yellow Jackets to an impressive 18-9 overall record, including 13-6 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) — both school records since joining the NCAA. Their second-place finish in the SIAC East Division also marked the highest in program history.
Though Gaines had set high aspirations for her first year — aiming for 20 wins and SIAC Coach of the Year honors — she sees the progress as a strong foundation.
“(I’m) kind of almost never satisfied, in some sense,” Gaines admitted. “We definitely have to be better, and I think we will be better. The goals were close to being on point, but we just fell short. … My goals will probably be a little bit higher. I still want the 20 wins, and I still want coach of the year, but also want to win a conference too. I think it’s very doable.”
Her coaching pedigree is no surprise. Before taking the reins at Allen, Gaines had a combined 49-5 record during previous stints at Richard Bland College and USC Salkehatchie. She was also part of the 2015 South Carolina Final Four team, playing in 67 games for Coach Staley — whom she still leans on for wisdom.
“Always having a relationship with your kids on and off the court,” Gaines shared, reflecting on what she’s learned from her former coach. “Don’t make it always about basketball because at the end of the day, kids go do different things in life and they want to know that somebody’s in that corner, and you’re supposed to be that person.”
That relational approach has already borne fruit. Under her guidance, Taliah Wesley became SIAC Player of the Year, averaging 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 44% from the field.
“That kid is just – she’s tough as nails,” Gaines praised. “The turnaround from when I got her versus last year was tremendous. … She watched extra film, she did all the little things to put herself in that position to get that award.”
Freshman Eboni Clay also thrived, earning SIAC Freshman of the Year after averaging 11.3 points — the most among all freshmen in the conference.
“This kid, again, she works extremely hard, and also she’s just bought in on the vision. She wants to win,” Gaines said. “I told her it’s gonna be tough — but probably just more of her being a little bit more vocal. I think that brings her game to a whole ’nother notch.”
The pair became the first in Allen history to win Player and Freshman of the Year in the same season — a milestone Gaines hopes to build upon in year two. With six returners and six newcomers, including JUCO All-American Jasmine Norman, the Yellow Jackets are poised for another leap.
“It’s looking bright. Just got to put it together,” Gaines concluded.
With her competitive drive, proven leadership, and deep ties to a winning culture, Olivia Gaines is setting the stage for sustained success at Allen University.
