Rodney Gaines
Dr. Rodney Gaines is an associate professor in sport management at Virginia State University, where he also serves as the head strength and conditioning coach, working with all 16 athletic teams. He is the first person to hold that position. He also started the strength and conditioning program at Norfolk State University in 2002, where he served as a professor/strength coach. Dr. Gaines felt a call to ministry, and spent two years at Liberty University as an associate professor in health sciences and kinesiology. Dr. Gaines has served as the Bible study leader for athletes at both Virginia State University and Norfolk State University, and he is sportlink through Athletes in Action.
Dr. Gaines serves as a personal training specialist for AFAA, and he speaks two weekends a month around the country certifying others to become personal trainers. Dr. Gaines also teaches an independent leadership primer, helping others to become certified for the NSCA CSCS exam or CPT exam. Dr. Gaines is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in the NSCA and is also certified by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength Coach. Dr. Gaines also holds certifications as an ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist.
Dr. Gaines has been a bodybuilding competitor for over 22 years, and has been lifting weights for 26 years. He has won many titles, including 1995 Overall Mr. Virginia, 1998 NGA Hercules Champion, 1999 WNBF Pro Mr. Universe, 2004 Fitness Mr. Olympia, 2004 National Champion, 2004 Southern Champion, 2007 USBF Memorial Champion, 2007 NPA National Champion, and 2007 Master’s World Champion. Dr. Gaines is currently retired from the sport of bodybuilding, but holds pro cards in the WNBF, NPA, USBF, NGA, and INBA.
Dr. Gaines recommitted his life to Jesus Christ after having a bout with rheumatoid arthritis in 2002. A man died beside him in the emergency room months before, and he knew that he wanted to make some changes in his life. He made a commitment to live for God and lead others to a relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. His mission is to raise up Christian leaders and challenge them to impact their staff and athletes with the word of God. We all will impact a million souls in this lifetime. How will we impact them? Dr. Gaines’ mission is to impact a million coaches and athletes with the word of God, and to continue to promote leadership with the backing of the word of God.
