NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Apprentice School Director of Athletics Jeff Egnot has announced the promotion of Michael Gainey, Jr., to the position of Head Men’s Basketball Coach, effective immediately.

“I could not be happier for MJ,” said Egnot. “He is a product of this program that has gone on to great things for our company and our program. His dedication to and his love for Builder athletics has helped maintain a level of excellence that has come to be expected with our basketball program. I know that the program is in good hands, and it will continue to be a catalyst in which we continue to attract future leaders of this company.”

Gainey has spent the last seven seasons as an assistant under former head coach Evan Kee. Most recently, he held the position of Director of Player Development where he has developed numerous players to USCAA All-American status. He helped lead the team to the national semifinals two seasons ago before winning the USCAA Division I National Championship this past season.

“I feel truly blessed to have been appointed as the new head coach here at my alma mater,” said Gainey. “It gives me great pleasure to serve the future leaders of The Apprentice School. I am excited to embark on this journey and work towards achieving the continuous success and growth of this program.”

Gainey first played for the Builders for two seasons prior to joining the coaching staff. He was named Most Improved Player as a freshman after helping lead the Builders to the USCAA National Tournament where he set a USCAA record for most blocks in a tournament game.

Gainey graduated from AS in 2018 and is a production planner for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Prior to coming to The Apprentice School, Gainey, a native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, played basketball at Rocky Mount High School, where he was part of the 3A State Championship team in 2012 before falling to the eventual champions in 2013.

Story and image courtesy Apprentice Athletics