NEWPORT NEWS - The Apprentice School women's basketball coach Ieshia Small Gainey was named New South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Monday, as announced by the league office. Additionally, four Builders earned All-Conference accolades, while one earned All-Academic status.

Small Gainey took over the program in 2025 after serving as assistant coach. She immediately changed the culture and turned the program around, guiding the Builders to a 14-9 overall record and 5-0 in NSAC play, the top seed in last month's conference tournament, then winning their first league title in program history.

Additionally, Dajanelle Linton-Robinson and Cornasia Lamberson earned first team All-Conference honors. Linton-Robinson averages 11.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest, while Lamberson tallies a team high 12 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Joy Wright and NeOndra Kelly were named to the second team. Kelly also earned All-Academic status.

The Builders will take the floor in the USCAA National Tournament Tuesday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. against third-seeded Paul Quinn.