The Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania Rattlers (FSS) is a new organization created to provide a competitive, and positive environment that is founded on developing youth into leaders, through discipline in their daily lives, being respectful of all persons, selfless to family and the team, showing honor in all they do, letting their integrity be a watchword, and having the personal courage to accept all challenges.
Coach Gaines is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth, and our FSS community.
FSS Basketball Team inaugural season begins on April 23, 2022, at the Big Time Hoops – Spring Invitational. Established in February, the team consists of eight players ranging in age from 11 to 14 years old. With the coaching staff’s diligence for training, developing and strengthening players fundamentals, it has prepared them for the next level of competition. April – July 2022 the team will participate in various tournaments ranging from local invitationals, showcase tournaments and the AAU East Coast Championship. With a state-of-the-art facility, fundamental coaching, and a track record of success, FSS Basketball is READY to change the game for aspiring middle school basketball players.
Coach Gaines' experience includes over 40 years of playing and coaching basketball. His career started in the military playing for several Army and Air Force teams. After completing his playing career as point guard for the Bitburg Barons Air Force Basketball team, Coach Gaines applied those leadership skills on the court through mentorship by Mr. Oda Phillips of the now defunct Bitburg Barons whom he considered “one of the best minds ever to coach the game.”
Coach Hendrix's experience includes over 20 years of coaching at Post-Level with the Army and Parks & Recreation. His coaching style is a mixture of Coach John Wooden and Coach John Thompson. Coach Hendrix is a strong advocate that playing sports provides a great opportunity to build character and develop necessary skills for a successful life during and after your sports career.
Coach Nathaniel Galloway (NJ) has been playing and studying the game of basketball for many years. Coach NJ played basketball through high school and then left to attend Howard University. Although he never played for his Alma Mater, his love for the game never ended. Since graduating, Coach NJ has brought his skills and knowledge of the game to the FSS Rattlers to assist in developing youth players into young men on and off the court.
Coach Howard Bolden is from Philadelphia, PA, and played basketball in high school. He attended West Virginia University as an Undergraduate where he earned his degree in Marketing. He moved from Philadelphia to the DMV area in 2019 to continue his education. Later, he earned his Master’s degree in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University. For two years, he's been the Coach for The Players Progression Academy, a youth basketball organization that ranges from K-8th grade. This Spring he will be entering his third season.
The mission of FSS Basketball is to provide a competitive winning environment through hard work, perseverance, discipline, and daily dedication to aspiring youth to become positive leaders and role models in their everyday lives. Our success is measured in the development of our players on the court and their actions off the court: