- May 5, 2024
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The First Academy has announced Tarrik Mabon as its next boys basketball coach, the sixth in the program's history.
Prior to being named the Royals' coach, Mabon served as the coach at Mt. Vernon School in Atlanta, Georgia, since 2017; where he led the Mustangs to a record of 112-77 in his time at the school. In this most recent season, Mabon's Mt. Vernon team won the 2024 GHSA Division 1 state championship.
“Coach Mabon is an elite coach with an elite work ethic," said TFA Director of Athletics Jeff Conaway in a press release. "His ability to lead spiritually has truly made him a very influential coach to so many players and families over the years. He is also a detailed and well-planned coach who teaches the game and constantly improves his players. His connections with players and families allow him to build great trust and get the most from his teams. Coach Mabon has the gift of communicating and I believe he will impact our team, program, and school in so many positive ways.”
Mabon, a graduate of Morehouse College, will also serve as The First Academy's Director of Student Discipleship & Culture; where he will support the efforts of the school's mission to build Christian leaders.
“I am simply an imperfect man who serves a perfect God," Mabon said. "Therefore, I never want to get in the way of His perfect plan. I am excited to work every day to stay aligned with His vision in this new assignment. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the Royals Basketball program, and do not take it for granted. We will build a sustainable basketball program that is built on the ROCK (Matthew 7:24-27) and will give my sincere love, care, attention, professionalism, and faith.”
Beyond his record on the court, Mabon also has the backing of two high-level members of the basketball world; specifically from the Orlando area.
“I have known Tarrik his entire life, and I'm very proud of the young man and coach he has become," said University of Memphis coach and former Orlando Magic player Anfernee Hardaway. "In Tarrik, you are getting a dedicated worker who knows what it takes to build a successful program. I saw him do it at Mount Vernon School, and I'm confident he will do the same at TFA.”
Not only does the Magic Hall of Famer speak highly of Mabon but so does current Magic power forward Wendell Carter Jr., who was coached by Mabon during his time as an assistant coach at Pace Academy.
"Coach T is one of the most passionate and loving coaches I've encountered," Cater Jr. said. "He loves the game, and he takes relationships with his players very seriously. What I enjoyed the most playing for him was his love for the Lord. He's always been vocal about his faith, and I respect that the most."
Mabon will take over for longtime coach Chris Mayberry, who announced his resignation earlier in April. 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.
