Head of School Mr. Tim Bender and Athletic Director Anna Moreno-Allison are excited to announce the hiring of Sam Okai as Gateway’s Assistant Athletic Director, Elementary PE Teacher, and Student Athletics Pastor. Sam brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, having served as the head men’s soccer coach for Regent University and founder/director of Heroes Futbol Club for the past eight years. His deep commitment to developing student-athletes through a Christ-centered lens has impacted many lives and aligns powerfully with GCA’s mission.
With a heart for ministry and mentorship, Sam’s objective is to help further establish Gateway Christian Academy as a top-ranking athletic program known for its unwavering commitment to spiritual, academic, social, and physical growth. He will begin his new role mid-June, and he will lead Gateway’s soccer program, assist Mrs. Moreno-Allison in overseeing athletic operations, develop youth PE programming, support student-athlete discipleship, and contribute to GCA’s long-term athletic vision.
“Gateway Christian Academy’s mission to train students spiritually, academically, socially, and physically, aligns with who I am as a pastor, coach and mentor. I have
dedicated my life to serving young minds from preschool to college-aged, equipping them through biblically based training, sports development and mentoring so that they can grow in the grace and knowledge of God and make a positive impact in the world for Christ.”
Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Nasarawa State University in Nigeria and a Master of Arts in Film and Television from Regent University. Sam is married to Simisola Okai and they have three children: Emmanuel Okai (11), Nathaniel Okai (9), and Ezekiel Okai (3). We are thrilled to welcome Sam Okai and his family into the Gateway Christian Academy community and are confident that his leadership and vision will greatly impact our students, our school culture, and our athletics department.