Grace Christian Sanford

⚽ 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛 ⚽

Grace Christian School Athletic Director Ricky Young announced today a pivotal change in the Crusader Varsity Soccer Program, naming Rick Pittarelli as the new head coach for both the Men and Women’s programs. Pittarelli’s hiring comes in correlation with the resignation of Grace Christian Head Coach Brian Smith, who had led both Men and Women’s programs. Grace Christian thanks Brian Smith for his dedication and service to our school and athletic programs.

Rick Pittarelli, known by many players and families simply as “Coach Pitt,” is originally from Upstate New York and brings a diverse background in leadership, education, and athletics to the soccer community. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management from Liberty University, where he is also currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration. Prior to entering education and coaching, Coach Pitt served in the U.S. Army Military Police and worked in law enforcement, experiences that helped shape his leadership philosophy and commitment to mentorship.

“On behalf of the Grace Christian administration, we are thrilled to welcome Coach Pittarelli to the Crusader family,” remarked Athletic Director Ricky Young. “His knowledge of the game and player development is second to none, but it is his dedication and faith in Jesus Christ that will make him a tremendous asset in mentoring our student athletes. I look forward to seeing the continued growth of our soccer program under Coach Pitt.”

Pittarelli currently holds a U.S. Soccer D National License and has spent more than a decade leading successful high school soccer programs. His coaching accomplishments include leading his Wake Forest High School program to the 2019 NCHSAA 4A State Championship, earning multiple NAC VI Coach of the Year honors, and receiving both NCHSAA and NCCA Coach of the Year recognitions. Pittarelli also serves as an NCSCA Board Member, Region Representative, and Assistant Director for the NCSCA Clash of the Carolinas, reflecting his continued commitment to developing student-athletes and growing the game throughout the state.

"Being open to what God wants is key, and from the beginning Grace felt like home,” commented Pittarelli. “I was looking for an opportunity to build upon a soccer program while developing young players on and off the pitch, and the peace surrounding this decision made it clear God was leading the way. The moment I spoke with Athletic Director Ricky Young, I remember thinking, ‘God is going to put me where He wants me to be, not where I think I should be.’ One of the principles I have always believed in is, ‘It’s not about me, it’s about WE,’ and I’m excited to build a culture at Grace centered on faith, family, teamwork, and serving something bigger than ourselves."

Help us in welcoming Coach Pittarelli to Crusader Country!

📰 >> https://www.gracechristiansanford.com/news/grace-christian-selects-new-varsity-soccer-coach/

Exciting news, Crusader Family! 💫

Thanks to our continued growth, Grace Christian School is hiring! We are excited to share two new opportunities to join our team:

* Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program Specialist
* Learning Support Teacher

At GCS, it is a fulfilling privilege to partner with families as we equip students from a Christian worldview to reach their God-given potential through excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, and technology.

If you are passionate about Christian education and want to make a lasting impact in the lives of students, we would love for you to consider becoming part of our Crusader family.

To learn more about these positions, visit the Crusader News section of our website: https://www.gracechristiansanford.com/about/crusader-news/

How to apply:
1. Submit a GCS Employment Application by clicking the link below https://gracechristianschool.factsmgtadmin.com/form/e4c5Kr3jq

2. Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Come join the mission.
Come join the family. 💚

Another week of GCS Summer Camps is in the books! ☀️💚

From fingerprints and blood samples in Forensic Science Camp to underwater exploration, volcanoes, and fossils in Science Exploration Camp, our students finished the week strong with hands-on learning, discovery, and plenty of fun. 🫆🩸🌋

And on the court, Coaches Smith and Stokes worked with our campers on drills, clinics, and skill-building to help strengthen their basketball game. 🏀

We love seeing our Crusaders learning, growing, and making summer memories together!

🚨 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 🚨

Grace Christian Athletics is honored to announce our nomination by HighSchoolOT.com for "𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚/𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬" for 2025-2026!

Voting is open through June 30, 2026. Link to vote below!

🗳 >> https://voteei.com/spst

We hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far! While things have slowed down around campus, we’re still staying busy and already preparing for next year. 🤩💚

Summer Camps are off to a fantastic start at Grace!

Our campers are learning new skills, growing in confidence, having a blast, and making memories that will last long after summer is over. From crafts to baseball to enrichment camps, it has been such a joy watching these kiddos jump in, try new things, and enjoy every minute! ☀️⚾🎨🖌️

What an incredible 2025/26 school year we wrapped up! Because of your faithful support, our students have grown academically, spiritually, and personally while experiencing the love of Christ every day on our campus!

Thank you for investing in the mission of preparing the next generation of Christ-centered leaders. The impact of your partnership reaches far beyond the classroom.

We are grateful for each of you and excited to connect with both current and new partners as we look ahead to all God has in store for the upcoming 2026/27school year!

Have you signed up for Driver’s Ed yet? 🚦🚗 💨

At Grace Driving School, students gain the knowledge and confidence they need to become safe, responsible drivers. The program includes 30 hours of classroom instruction covering traffic laws, road signs and markings, defensive driving, hazard recognition, and risk management (including distracted and impaired driving), plus 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training focused on vehicle operation, emergency maneuvers, and sharing the road.

With guidance from a certified, professional instructor, students are prepared not only for the driving test but for real-world driving conditions. Eligibility requirements apply.

👉 Ready to sign your future driver up? Our next class starts in July and spots fill up fast, so click the link below to reserve your space today. 🚗✨
🔗👇

https://gracesanford.shop/collections/gcs-drivers-education

📣 It’s not too late!! 📣

It's not too late to sign up for summer camps! Some fun and engaging camps for Elementary, middle school, and high school ages are coming up in the next few weeks. Don't miss out!

Click the link below to see the list and get signed up today! 🔗👇

https://www.gracechristiansanford.com/campus-life/camps/

Once a Crusader, always a Crusader. 💚

We want to take a moment to celebrate a few of our 2026 graduates and the exciting paths God is leading them toward!

Colton Weiant plans to enlist in the U.S. Army and serve our country.

Khaleb Mazzola will attend Harvard University this fall, where he plans to major in Government and Pre-Law.

Braxten Davis was selected as one of only fourteen students out of ninety applicants across Lee and Harnett counties to participate in the Sanford Contractors Construction Academy this summer. Through this opportunity, Braxten will earn college credit through Central Carolina Community College while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry.

Whether our Crusader alumni are staying close to home, heading to an Ivy League school, pursuing a trade, or choosing to defend our country, we could not be prouder of them.

They will always be part of the GCS family, and we will continue to pray for them and cheer them on as they follow God’s plan for their lives. 💚