Thayer Establishes Mike Babul Memorial Fund To Honor Former Coach 

Thayer Academy has established the Mike Babul Memorial Fund to celebrate the life and legacy of their former basketball coach while providing financial support to student-athletes who play the game Babul loved so much. 

A true basketball legend in the state of Massachusetts who devoted his professional career to coaching, Babul died unexpectedly Dec. 30, 2024, at the age of 47 after suffering a sudden heart attack due to undetected and untreated critical heart disease. 

The newly created fund will help to support Thayer student-athletes with financial needs who embody Babul’s spirit; the financial support will allow those students to thrive both academically and athletically while carrying forward Babul’s passion for the game. 

“Mike believed in the power of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance — values that will continue to shape Thayer’s basketball program,” said Athletic Director Bobbi Moran. “We’re thrilled to be able to honor Mike in this way. I’m so grateful for all those who have worked to create this tribute to Mike, which will have a lasting impact on Thayer and our boys basketball program. Establishing this memorial fund is something that will honor Mike and the impact he had on our program.” 

Babul took the helm of Thayer’s boys varsity program in 2023. That first team made great strides under his leadership as his players quickly learned to trust their new coach. Those players and their families soon realized what so many already knew, namely that Babul combined a thorough understanding of the Xs and Os of the game with a gym rat’s passion for basketball. 

“Coaching at Thayer has been a dream job for me,” said Babul shortly after the completion of that first season, boldly adding his goal to return the Tigers hoops program to the top tier of the ISL and NEPSAC. “I’ve driven past the school every day on my way to work and thought, ‘That’s where I want to work. That’s the program I want to step into next.’” 

A standout athlete, Babul graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1996, his basketball prowess earning him the Gatorade Player of the Year award for Massachusetts and a spot on the National Parade All-American fourth team in his senior year. He continued his basketball career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was a three-time A-10 All Defensive Team member, a four-time Academic All-American, and co-captain of the Minutemen. In 2000, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. 

After college, Babul coached Division 1 men’s college basketball at the University of Memphis, Youngstown State University, Drexel University, the University of Texas El Paso, Auburn University, and Wagner College. He also spent a year with the Brooklyn Nets organization in the NBA. 

Evan Carlson, Thayer’s current varsity basketball head coach, emphasized Babul’s passion for the game and his commitment to his players in the school’s basketball program. 

“The Mike Babul Memorial Fund will celebrate that commitment by supporting basketball student-athletes for years to come,” said Carlson. 

To donate or learn more, visit the giving page on Thayer’s website or contact Director of Alumni Relations Rachael “Ray” Reichenbach.