Coaches

With over twenty-five years of experience in basketball, both as a player and a coach, Christopher Jordan Evans brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to every court he steps onto. A native of Stamford, Connecticut, Chris’s love for the game began at a young age and has shaped him into a mentor who thrives on helping young athletes grow both on and off the court. 

Chris played three seasons at Sacred Heart University before transferring to the University of Charleston, where he played his final collegiate season. His playing career also extended internationally, as he had the honor of playing professionally in Germany, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the game at the highest level. 

Transitioning into coaching, Chris has accumulated over 10 years of coaching experience. Throughout his career, from Connecticut to South Carolina, he has led teams to multiple championships, including back-to-back titles at the Deep South Tournament and a victory at the Run for Roses Tournament. That earned the 2023 16U Charleston Raptors a bid to the US Open that summer in Memphis. They were the only team, boys or girls, from South Carolina. His leadership, strategic mindset and ability to connect with players have made him a respected coach in the basketball community. 

Currently, Chris serves as the Head Girls’ Basketball Coach at Porter Gaud, where he is committed to helping young athletes not only develop their basketball skills, but also build confidence, discipline, and leadership qualities. His approach to coaching goes beyond the X’s and O’s; he believes in nurturing the whole athlete and empowering his players to succeed in life through sports. 

Chris’s passion for basketball is matched only by his desire to help others. As a mentor, he works closely with his athletes to guide them through the challenges of life and sports, emphasizing personal growth, accountability, and the power of a positive mindset. 

Dynasty Heyward is a dedicated and experienced basketball coach with a strong passion for developing players both on and off the court. A former standout point guard at Wando High School, Dynasty went on to play 4 years of collegiate basketball at Erskine College, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience in the game.

Since transitioning to coaching, Dynasty has worked with athletes of all levels, from B-team to Varsity, and has also coached in the travel basketball circuit. She has had the privilege of guiding teams to several notable achievements, including a Big South Championship, two Run for Roses Championships, a 16U Team USA Contender title, and a Senior Girls B-Team Regular Season Championship, among others. Additionally, she has played a key role in developing players who have advanced to higher levels of competition.

With a focus on building strong fundamentals, strategic game awareness, and enhancing individual skills, Dynasty works to ensure athletes not only improve their game but grow as individuals on and off the court. She believes in instilling a strong work ethic, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game to help players reach their full potential.

In addition to her coaching experience, Dynasty holds a Master's degree from The Citadel, further emphasizing her commitment to balancing academic and athletic development. Through a holistic approach, Dynasty is dedicated to helping athletes succeed in both basketball and life

Meet Coach Joey Ferrelli. Coach Joey has been coaching at Porter-Gaud since 2018 with the 5th-grade boys’ team. In the span of 5 years, Coach Joey moved his way up from 5th grade, to 7th grade Head Coach, to coaching the Junior Varsity team at PG from 2023-present. He’s become an integral part of the program, training players in grades 3-12 and preparing them for the Varsity team. In addition to PG, Coach Joey has coached in the 20/20 League since its inauguration in 2021, winning a championship in the league’s first year. He’s also coached at the Varsity level in the winter & head Fall League coach. Coach Ferrelli also coached the Charleston Raptors 14U boys last Spring.

Alyvia Peña (Coach Lyv) is a Burlington native. She is known for her exceptional skills and impressive achievements on the court. As the all-time leading scorer in Burlington High School girls' basketball history and the first player in the program to reach the 1,000-point milestone, Alyvia has set a high standard of excellence. Throughout her career, Alyvia is a 4-time Freedom Division All-Star, a testament to her consistent performance and dedication to the sport. She has also been named to the Middlesex League All-Conference team twice and earned the prestigious 2022-2023 Middlesex League Freedom Co-MVP title. Alyvia's leadership and prowess were pivotal in her team's success, including an undefeated season as the 2020-2021 Middlesex League Champions. Her outstanding contributions to her team were acknowledged when she received the 2023 Female Red Devil Award. Alyvia Peña's basketball accomplishments speak volumes about her talent, hard work, and commitment to her sport. She continues to inspire her peers and set a remarkable example for future athletes.

With a passion for others that began at the age of 5 watching his Marine Corps father coach, Coach Da’Vaughnte’ Moon has dedicated the majority of his life to the betterment of others both as a player and a coach. He has played competitively throughout his youth and has continued to hone his skills to this very day. Currently competing in men’s leagues in and out of the Lowcountry. He attended Charleston Southern University from 2011 to 2015 while serving in the United States Army. Starting his official coaching journey in 2013, he began working with Title One 5th grade boys and 4th grade girls at Chicora elementary.  Since then he has coached all levels of grade school at multiple schools, all the way up to the varsity level currently at Porter Gaud.

Throughout his coaching career, he has amassed some significant milestones, including helping in leading the Berkeley High School boys varsity team to becoming Lower State Champions 3years straight culminating to a runner up to state championship. Additionally, he coached a 12U boys team to a championship in the ABFF. 

Coach Moon continually showcases his commitment to developing young athletes from grade school to college and beyond. Fostering a deeper love for the game and understanding of the body and its functions and capabilities. By Providing athletes of all ages with injury prevention, mobility, agility, speed, strength, conditioning and skills trainings that have yielded lasting results.

Miles Harris is a culture-first coach who believes that great teams are built through shared standards, accountability, and complete buy-in. A Virginia native, Miles played his collegiate career at Hampden-Sydney College, where he was a two-time team captain and a key leader on an ODAC championship squad. His senior year, he helped guide Hampden-Sydney all the way to the NCAA Division III National Championship game, an experience that shaped his competitive mindset and deep respect for the power of team culture.

Those years instilled in him a core belief: individual growth happens when players commit to something bigger than themselves. Miles brings that philosophy to every team he coaches. Known for his clear communication, high expectations, and strong emphasis on leadership development, he works to build groups that are connected, disciplined, and resilient.

Miles currently serves as the Head Coach of the 6th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team at Charleston Day School, and previously coached at Porter-Gaud, where he developed players across multiple levels. In addition to team coaching, he trains athletes privately, focusing on shooting mechanics, footwork, game IQ, and building confidence through intentional repetition and detail-oriented skill work.

This spring, Miles joins Team Lead with a commitment to elevating young athletes through culture, fundamentals, and high-character competition. His mission is simple: help players grow—not just as basketball players, but as teammates, leaders, and young people prepared to contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Coach Anthony Passante brings over 10 years of basketball coaching experience, with a specialization in developing younger athletes. His background includes coaching youth and middle school girls and boys basketball in both head coach and program leadership roles, with a strong emphasis on fundamentals, basketball IQ, and team development.

Coach Passante is known for structured practices, clear communication, and teaching the game in a way that builds confidence and understanding. Through Team Lead AAU, he is focused on helping young players establish a strong foundation, compete the right way, and continue progressing both on and off the court.

Coach Niyah brings a championship mindset and elite basketball experience to the AAU level. A three-time state champion at Goose Creek High School, she scored over 1,000 points in both high school and college, demonstrating consistent high-level performance and competitive excellence.

She played four years at Francis Marion University and completed a fifth collegiate season at Wingate University, gaining firsthand experience in the demands of collegiate basketball. Her background reflects a deep understanding of preparation, discipline, and team-oriented success.

Now in her first year of coaching, Coach Niyah serves as Head JV Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach at Pinewood Preparatory School. She emphasizes fundamentals, player development, and basketball IQ, while instilling effort, accountability, and team-first values.

Coach Niyah is committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes and creating a competitive, positive environment that prepares players for the next level — on and off the court.

Micah is a former varsity team captain who played at Lucy Beckham Highschool. He began coaching youth basketball during his off season of his sophomore year. He has coached grades 6th-11th for both boys and girls and developed his own basketball program. He has volunteered at many skill camps and clinics in the Charleston area. Micah is now a student at The Citadel and is the manager for the schools team. Micah values the importance of leadership and communication within a program and strives to develop each player into the best they can be on and off the court.