Gray Collegiate doubles down on program-building with new hires

take hold in the high school sports landscape,

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Powerhouse Gray Collegiate Academy is embracing the evolution of high school league sports into college-style models.

High school athletic programs are no longer just about game-day performance — they’re becoming year-round operations focused on developing athletes, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. 

Gray has built a reputation for producing championship-level teams and future college athletes since the founding of the charter school in 2014. It has amassed 10 state championships across multiple sports in the past three years.

But recent staffing changes signal a larger ambition: building a program with the infrastructure and support systems of a collegiate athletic department. And because Gray has been so dominant, people are watching the school’s moves. 

Lou Bezjak, a high school sports writer for The State newspaper, has witnessed Gray’s rise under the spotlight firsthand.

“They’ve definitely been the most successful out of all the charter schools in the state,” Bezjak said. “Every little thing they do, whether it’s building a new facility or making a coaching change, gets attention.”

He added that Gray’s dominance has even forced changes in the state’s high school athletic landscape.

“They were one of the reasons why the high school league put in the multiplier,” Bezjak said.

He’s referring to a rule that counts out-of-district athletes as three students instead of one. The rule pushed Gray into the 4A classification, from 2A, this past year.

The school’s high expectations for developing its athletes were reinforced when Principal Brian Newsome introduced a new wave of leadership on March 20. The initiative is focused on strengthening the school’s athletic and academic support systems.

The goal is to provide student-athletes with a top-tier experience, Newsome said.

The hires include Head Boys Basketball Coach Dion Bethea, Director of Strength and Conditioning Erik Schwager, Varsity Cheer Coach Katie Nunnery and Collegiate Academic & Athletic Liaison Katie Clampitt.

“These new additions will have a big impact on our school and our success, not just because of the type of people they are, but also for who they represent and the hard work they’ll give for our school,” Newsome said. “We’re introducing a new program that focuses on exercise and fitness. And we encourage athletes to pay close attention and get involved.” 

The coaches’ proven success and expertise reinforce this vision.

At the forefront of the new hires is a familiar face: Boys Head Basketball Coach Dion Bethea. Bethea previously led the War Eagles to six Class 2A state championships between 2018 and 2024. He spent the past year as an assistant coach on the men’s basketball staff at Georgia Southern University.

His impact at Gray Collegiate is undeniable, with 273 career wins and a reputation for building one of the most dominant programs in the region.

“Gray has always been dear to my heart,” Bethea said. “Leaving last year was tough. Georgia Southern was an amazing place, but my family is so important, and Gray is family to me. Being part of this program isn’t just about winning. It’s about the athletic side and everything we build together.”

Another major addition is Erik Schwager, who takes over as Director of Strength and Conditioning. Schwager’s résumé includes the director of strength and conditioning at Charleston Southern University, Kansas State, Northwestern State University of Louisiana and Newberry College. 

“When I looked at a director of fitness conditioning, I had two criteria,” Heise said. “First, I wanted someone who had been at the college level and knows how to get athletes bigger, stronger and faster. Second, I didn’t want them to be interested in coaching any other sport.”

Hiring a full-time strength and conditioning director underscores Gray’s effort to prioritize athletes’ development. Though it may sound strange, Heise stressed that he doesn’t want Gray’s conditioning directors leaving to coach other sports. He expects them to be in the conditioning room every day, regardless of what’s happening with other teams.

The program also will prioritize strength training for female athletes, ensuring all students benefit from the same level of instruction and support.

“We’re going to focus on strengths, identify weaknesses and work on improving everything,” Schwager said. “My goal is that no student walks into the weight room unsure of what they should be doing.”

Gray’s commitment to building championship-caliber programs is also evident in its hiring of Varsity Cheer Coach Katie Nunnery. Nunnery’s track record of success made her a natural fit, Newsome said. She previously led Dutch Fork High School to three state titles and was named Sectional Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Nunnery takes over a cheer program that has already claimed three consecutive state championships.

Gray also added Katie Clampitt as the school’s first-ever Collegiate Academic & Athletic Liaison in an effort to provide greater academic and college recruiting support. Clampitt will be the first point of contact for student-athletes looking to play at the next level. She will facilitate communication with college coaches, assist with social media strategies and guide students through the recruiting process.

“When college coaches visit, it’s important that the first line of communication is clear,” Newsome said. “If a student-athlete wants to play a sport, Miss Clampitt will be the first person they talk to. She’ll help reach out to schools on their behalf, which is crucial.”

No other high school in South Carolina offers this kind of dedicated recruiting support, Newsome said. Gray is raising the bar for high school athletics in South Carolina by recruiting proven collegiate-level talent and creating support positions aimed at athlete development and recruiting. 

“Student-athletes, your program got better today,” Newsome said. “We’re excited to be part of this community and create more business opportunities through these experience. … We expect you to give your best effort and help make all of our programs stronger every minute.”