One Storm, Many Teams

Congratulations to our Volleyball Team for earning the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Team Academic Award for the 2023-24 school year! Recognizing teams that have a 3.3 GPA or higher, this team had an average 3.86 GPA. This marks our volleyball program's eighth consecutive season receiving the award. Go Storm!

Our varsity athletes received the star treatment at our ESPY-like awards show - The Squallys - on Friday, May 19th. This event honors our players and teams for their achievements this year. And what a year it has been for Storm athletics, with many records broken and two state championship appearances.

Here are this year's winners...

• Athletic Trainer Of The Year: Corinne Benefield
• Spirit Of The Storm Award: Alex Fisher and Austin Cembor
• Bailey Moody Courage Award: Memphis Fitzgerald
• Comeback Of The Year: Baseball
• Male Breakthrough Athlete: Jon Burton
• Female Breakthrough Athlete: Ella Style
• Most Memorable Performance: Vincent Maraschiello
• Female Rookie Of The Year: Clara Allen
• Male Rookie Of The Year: Santos Wade
• Best Upset: Boys Basketball
• Record-Breaking Performance: Boys Swim 200 Medley Relay
• Outstanding Female Athlete: Ellison Chadwick
• Outstanding Male Athlete: Sam Thacker
• Program Of The Year: Softball
• Coach Of The Year: Joey Thacker
• Team Of The Year: Boys Basketball

#GoStorm

Did you miss it? You can watch the entire event online here.

Providence Christian Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Chadwick as the head varsity boys basketball coach. With an impressive track record as the program’s assistant head coach, Coach Chadwick brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to student athletes' development.

"Coach Chadwick has been an integral part of this program's success,” said Athletic Director Sean West. “He knows our players and our school’s mission well. Transitioning this team to his leadership will continue that success and advance our goal of developing young men who are leaders. This was an easy decision.”

A native of Gwinnett County, Coach Chadwick attended Providence and graduated from Parkview High School, where under coach Steve Richardson, he was in the top five all-time scorers and county Player of the Year. He went on to be the Southern Conference leading 3-point scorer in basketball for Wofford College in South Carolina, and after college played professionally in Austria and Croatia before eventually church planting and coaching in Germany. He and his wife Beth have four children, including a daughter who runs track at Samford University and three current Providence students.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of head basketball coach here at Providence,” said Coach Chadwick. “I love our school, and I believe in our community. What an honor it is to be able to be here. Coach Thacker has laid a great foundation and built a successful program, and I just want to carry the torch and lead us into the next season.”

Coach Chadwick assumes the head coaching position from Joey Thacker, who also serves as the Head of School at Providence. In addition to this leadership role, Mr. Thacker will also serve as a mentor in the athletic department for coaching development. In his five seasons as head coach, Coach Thacker led the basketball program to a 109-32 record and five straight state tournaments, including an appearance in the 2023 state championship.

“The purpose of this program has been to develop young men on and off the court. I can’t think of anyone better to continue this work than Coach Chadwick,” said Coach Thacker. “I’m thankful for his partnership over the past four seasons and am excited to watch him develop our players and program.”

It’s Football Signing Day at Providence (our largest group ever), and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our talented football players as they officially commit to their respective colleges. This is a testament to their hard work, determination, and the unwavering support from their coaches, teammates, and families. Congratulations guys! #GoStorm

 OJ Alexander is committed to the Miami University in Ohio.

 RJ Cruz is committed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

 Ben Klassen is committed to Dickinson College. 

 Matthew Miller is committed to Mercer University. 

 Anthony Oppedisano is committed to Williston Northampton Prep. 

 Simon Petersen is committed to Limestone University.

 Quinton Slaughter is committed to Morehouse College.

Big congratulations to Ryan Doyle, who officially signed with Liberty University today to continue his athletic career in clay target shooting. We're cheering you on every step of the way, Ryan!

Vincent Maraschiello, has been named to the Gwinnett Daily Post Super Six Boys Soccer players!

Vincent is a standout soccer player for the Storm. Last season, he was named Gwinnett Goal Club's Player of the Year. He broke the single-season record with 30 goals last season and is three goals shy from breaking the all-time school record this year. He has won several awards from all-county first team, all-region first team, 2023 Gwinnett player of the year (1A-6A), NCSAA spring national player of the year, scholar-athlete, and many more.

Congrats on this recognition, Vincent!

Big shoutout and congratulations to our head boys' basketball coach (and head of school), Joey Thacker (pictured on the left), for reaching an impressive milestone of 100 wins in his fifth basketball season here at Providence! He has orchestrated the best 4-year stretch in the 33-year history of Providence basketball. His teams have made it to the Sweet 16 three times and have been regular-season region champions twice. Last year, he led the boys to the state championship game after a record-setting 27 wins.

Coach Thacker's dedication, Christ-like leadership, and passion for the game have not only resulted in tremendous success on the court but have also inspired and shaped the lives of our student-athletes to become great men of God.

Congrats, Coach Thacker!

Providence Senior Caleb Lee, shortstop for the baseball team, has signed to continue his baseball career at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Last season, Lee received the honor of being a second-team all-county selection by both the Daily Post and the Gwinnett Dugout Club. His impressive stats included a batting average of .376, three home runs, 25 RBIs, 33 runs, nine doubles, two triples, and 11 stolen bases. Lee played a significant role in the Storm's journey to the 2023 Class AA Sweet Sixteen.

Aside from his achievements on the baseball field, Lee also stood out as a wide receiver at Providence. In the past season, he received first-team All-Region 8-AA honors for his performance in football. Lee's contributions helped propel the team to break records, with him recording 54 catches for 1,264 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023.

We congratulate Caleb Lee on his accomplishments and wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase of his athletic journey at the U.S. Air Force Academy baseball program!

We are State Champs! Our boys cross country team has won first place at the AA State Championship, making history as the Storm's first-ever championship in boys cross country! A massive congratulations to our extraordinary athletes!

Let's not forget to highlight the stellar performances of Lauren Thomas, finishing 7th in the state, Jon Burton placing 7th, and Jason Chapman securing 8th place individually!

Name: Noah Mallory

School: Providence Christian

Class: Senior

College choices: U.S. Air Force Academy, Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida State

Year-round swim club: Spartans Aquatics Club

Favorite pool: F.A.S.T. pool in Ocala, Fla.

Least favorite pool: Chamblee High School

Favorite event: 50 freestyle

Least favorite event: 200 butterfly

Best Gwinnett swimmer not on my team is: Baylor Stanton

Song that gets me ready for a race: “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

Favorite meal after a meet: A burger and french fries and boba tea

Favorite teacher: Mr. Brian Brewer

Noteworthy:

• Fourth at state in the 50 freestyle last season

• Fifth at state in the 100 butterfly

Coach Sally Meier’s take: “Noah is a great swimmer who loves to encourage his teammates. In most meets, you can find him down at the end of a lane cheering on someone swimming in the pool from our team or his friends from other teams. Noah loves to help teach others about swimming. He has a way of phrasing corrections where others listen and desire to learn more from him. He is kind, caring and an encouraging swimmer.”

Article here.

Breaking records and leaving an indelible mark, Providence Christian triumphed in the Area 8-AA Volleyball Tournament with a sweep of two matches on Saturday. This historic achievement marks the program's first-ever area championship.

In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Storm overcame Athens Academy in the semifinals with set victories of 25-18 and 25-18. The championship match proved to be an exhilarating battle against Banks County, culminating in a hard-fought victory of 25-18, 23-25, and 15-13.

With this momentous win, Providence Christian now holds a commendable season record of 31-11. Moreover, the team has secured a prestigious No. 1 seed for the upcoming Class AA State Tournament. The first round, set to take place on Tuesday, will feature the Storm hosting Towers.

Individual performances on the court were exceptional, with Caroline Rose leading the way with eight aces and 11 kills. Maddie Smith showcased her skills with four aces, nine kills, and an impressive 20 digs. Sydney Cook demonstrated her versatility, contributing five kills and a remarkable 40 assists.

The outstanding performances did not go unnoticed, as Rose and Smith were rightfully recognized as first-team All-Area 8-AA players. Additionally, teammates Emmy Moody and Ella Style earned their place on the second team. Cook's contributions were acknowledged with an honorable mention selection.

Providence Christian's triumph at the Area 8-AA Volleyball Tournament is a testament to the team's dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. As they embark on the Class AA State Tournament, the Storm carries the momentum of this historic victory with them, ready to face new challenges and make their mark on the state stage.

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Quinton Slaughter led the Storm (6-1) to an impressive Region 8-AA football victory on Friday night, with a final score of 55-35 over Union County.

Slaughter's exceptional performance broke the Gwinnett County record for rushing yards in a single game, as he accumulated a staggering 389 yards on 48 carries to relentlessly drive the Providence offense. The senior running back showcased his incredible talent by contributing a pair of touchdowns that added to his team's success.

Vickor Engel has been named the Gwinnett Daily Post Defensive Player of the Week! Vicktor had five tackles for losses, for sacks, at forced a fumble in Friday night's 71 to 0 victory over Athens Christian. Congratulations, Victor!

Matthew Miller is the Gwinnett Daily Post Offensive Player of the Week! Matthew had six receptions for 160 yards and four touchdowns catches in Friday night's 32 to 10 victory at Whitfield Academy. Great job, Matthew!

Let's hear it for Quinton slaughter, chosen by the Gwinnett Daily Post as football Offensive Player of the Week! Quinton rust 18 times for 265 yards and four touchdowns in our 53 to 15 win over Saint Francis Friday night. Congrats Quinton!