Physical Education (PE)
Training the whole person for the glory of God.
We believe PE is essential for developing the whole student—spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically.
Mission
Our Physical Education program is built on Luke 2:52, which reminds us that Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” We believe PE is essential for developing the whole student—spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically. All of our students, from elementary through middle and high school, participate in PE. In the earliest grades, children begin forming healthy habits and a passion for physical activity. Through fun games and activities that build motor skills, hand-eye coordination, agility, and speed, we encourage young learners to enjoy movement while developing the foundation for lifelong fitness.
PE is an integral part of the student experience here at Gateway Christian Academy. To learn more about the other exciting aspects of Campus Life, click the button below.
PE Program Overview
As students advance into middle and high school, our program emphasizes growth in strength, endurance, and personal discipline. Students learn weight training, circuit training, and HIIT, preparing them to graduate with confidence in the weight room and the knowledge to design training programs for lifelong fitness.
Alongside physical training, we place a strong emphasis on nutrition and wellness, equipping students to make healthy choices that will benefit them throughout their lives. By focusing on both physical activity and nutrition, our PE program empowers students to care for their bodies as part of honoring God’s design.
Central Goals
Teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship are also central to our goals. Students of all ages participate in a variety of sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, flag football, and handball, gaining valuable lessons in cooperation, perseverance, and leadership. These experiences are supported by our upgraded facilities, including a multi-purpose gymnasium, a fully equipped weight room, athletic fields, and classroom sessions on health and nutrition. Together, these opportunities allow our students—elementary, middle, and high school alike—to grow stronger, develop discipline, and cultivate a lifestyle of wellness that will impact them long after graduation.
For more about Gateway Athletics, click on the button below.
Anna Moreno-Allison
Athletic Director & Head Volleyball Coach
Anna Moreno-Allison brings over 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics and youth sports to her role as Gateway Christian Academy’s Athletic Director and Head Volleyball Coach.
A native of São Paulo, Brazil, she was a standout setter at Oral Roberts University, where she earned multiple all-conference honors, broke assist and service ace records, and served as team captain. Her volleyball pedigree is rich: her father, Antonio Carlos Moreno, played for Brazil’s national team for 16 years and appeared in four Olympic Games. Anna’s twin brother, Carlos, was likewise a distinguished collegiate setter.
In her coaching and administrative career, she served as Bucknell University’s head volleyball coach from 2013 to 2019 after several years as an assistant and recruiting coordinator. She also has significant experience in youth and club development, including directing TVA volleyball programs and building Moreno Corp. She has also been involved in other athletic-related organizations.
At Gateway, Anna leads all sports programs, shapes staff development, and oversees the growth of the athletic department. She is deeply committed to cultivating character, faith, and excellence among student-athletes while expanding opportunities, strengthening community partnerships, and fostering a Christ-centered athletic culture.
Coach Sam Okai
Assistant Athletic Director, Physical Education Teacher & Head Soccer Coach
Coach Sam Okai serves as Gateway Christian Academy’s Assistant Athletic Director and Head Coach for our soccer programs, bringing a wealth of athletic, coaching, and ministry experience to our school. As the long-time Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Regent University (2017–2025), he developed Regent’s soccer program and summer camps while also leading international mission trips to Croatia and Spain, combining top-class training with service opportunities for children in need. He has coached teams at some of the region’s most competitive clubs, including Steel United, Virginia Rush, and Chesapeake United, and even coached at the world’s largest youth tournament, the Gothia Cup in Sweden.
In addition to coaching, Coach Okai has earned numerous achievements, from guiding championship teams at tournaments across Virginia and North Carolina to receiving Regent University’s Distinctive Service Award in 2023. He also founded Heroes Futbol Club, where he continues to inspire and develop young athletes through camps and clinics.
Coach Okai holds a Master of Arts in Film and TV Production from Regent University, along with multiple U.S. Soccer Federation coaching licenses and United Soccer Coaches diplomas. He is also US Safe Sport trained, CPR/AED certified, and a USSF Grade 7 referee. Beyond athletics, he invests in students as a mentor and leader through organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Kids Hope USA.
At Gateway, Coach Okai uses his passion for sports and discipleship to teach students the value of discipline, teamwork, and Christ-centered leadership—both on and off the field.
Coach Marelly Balentina
Physical Education Teacher & Head Track & Field / Cross Country Coach
Coach Marelly Balentina serves as a PE Teacher and Head Coach of Gateway’s Track & Field and Cross Country programs. A decorated collegiate and international athlete, she brings a remarkable background in athletics, leadership, and mentorship to Gateway. Coach Balentina is a record holder in javelin and shot put for her home country of Curaçao, and has set multiple track and field records at Regent University. She is also a 5-time NCCAA All-American, a 2018 NCAA Division I Championships qualifier, and was named the 2022 Virginia Sports Information Directors Women’s Field Athlete of the Year. In addition, she represented Curaçao as the National Goalkeeper during the 2023 FIFA Women’s Qualifying Championships.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Coach Balentina has broad professional experience in coaching, higher education, and community service. She previously served as an Assistant Track & Field Coach at Virginia Wesleyan University, where she specialized in throwing events, and she has worked in social media, marketing, public safety, and survivor support roles, demonstrating her heart for service. She is fluent in multiple languages, including Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish, and is known for her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Coach Balentina holds a Master of Arts in National Security Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Regent University. At Gateway, she combines her expertise in athletics with her passion for mentorship to train students not only in physical fitness and competition, but also in perseverance, leadership, and faith.
