United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - Women's Basketball

NEW LONDON, CONN.--(6/10/09)--Rick Gaines has been named the head coach of the Coast Guard Academy women’s basketball team. Gaines has served as an assistant coach with the program for the past ten seasons.

Gaines, a captain in the Coast Guard, is a 1978 graduate of the Academy and was a member of both the tennis and basketball teams. He also served as an assistant coach with the Coast Guard men’s basketball team on three different occasions from 1984-’86, 1987-’89 and from 1990-’92.

Captain Gaines is a member of the permanent commissioned teaching staff at the Academy and teaches chemistry in the Science Department. He earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut in 1998.

“I am pleased to announce that Rick Gaines will be the head coach of our women’s basketball team. He brings a number of positive attributes to our intercollegiate program, including his long-term involvement with athletics at the Academy as an athlete and coach,” said Director of Athletics, Dr. Ray Cieplik. “Rick also provides several unique qualities, including being aware of the challenges the cadets face throughout their four years. He will be a great addition to the coaching staff.”

The Bears, who will return four starters next season, were 5-21 overall and 4-9 in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) last season.

“I am especially excited to lead this group of current players for whom I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration, and who I consider members of my family,” added Gaines. “I look forward to building on the program’s strong reputation for developing not only skilled basketball players, but smart, effective and productive Coast Guard leaders and model citizens.”