The First Academy announces longtime boys basketball coach resigns

Chris Mayberry becomes the second longtime Royals coach to step down from his position in the past two days.

By Sam Albuquerque
| 11:30 a.m. April 8, 2024

Sports
High Schools

Following the announcement of the resignation of baseball coach Scott Grove on April 6, The First Academy has announced a second major resignation today. Boys basketball coach Chris Mayberry has stepped down from his position, according to a post on TFA athletics' social media account.

Mayberry had been in charge of the Royals' boys basketball program for 20 years and led them to nine district championships, five regional championships and two state championship game appearances during his tenure.

"I am so thankful for the impact that Chris Mayberry has had during his 20-plus years at The First Academy, both on and off the court," said TFA Head of School Dr. Steve Whitaker on the social media post announcing the decision. "He has shepherded hundreds of young men in their walk with Christ by living out his faith. ... His effort and passion are second to none. Chris and his family will always hold a special place in the hearts of (Royals) Nation."

The Royals finished the 2023-24 season with a 15-13 record, making an appearance in the Class 3A, District 6 title game and losing in the regional quarterfinals of the 3A state playoffs.

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Sam Albuquerque

A native of João Pessoa, Brazil, Sam Albuquerque moved in 1997 to Central Florida as a kid. After earning a communications degree in 2016 from the University of Central Florida, he started his career covering sports as a producer for a local radio station, ESPN 580 Orlando. He went on to earn a master’s degree in editorial journalism from Northwestern University, before moving to South Carolina to cover local sports for the USA Today Network’s Spartanburg Herald-Journal. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife, Sarah, newborn son, Noah, and dog named Skulí.