Former Division I standout and international professional reunites with former coach John Carroll at MAI

STOW, Mass. — August 3, 2026 — Masters Academy International (MAI) has announced the addition of Calvin Whipple as Assistant Coach, Player Development, further strengthening a basketball program.

A native of Leominster, Massachusetts, Whipple joins MAI after a five-year professional playing career that took him to seven countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. He will work alongside Prep Head Coach Naadir Tharpe, focusing on player development and skill instruction for MAI’s boys and girls basketball programs.

Before beginning his professional career, Whipple starred at Northfield Mount Hermon School under MAI Director of Basketball John Carroll, helping lead the program to two NEPSAC AAA Championships while tying the school’s all-time wins record in a season and for a career. A McDonald’s All-American nominee, he went on to earn a Division I scholarship to Fairfield University, where he graduated in just three years with a degree in marketing from the Dolan School of Business.

At Fairfield, Whipple made an immediate impact, setting the program record for most three-pointers made in a game by a freshman with seven and earning MAAC Rookie of the Week honors. He began his professional career in 2021, competing in Ireland, Albania, China, Malta, Australia, Colombia and Mexico, including winning the Albanian Supercup.

“We are excited to have Calvin at MAI to ignite his coaching career,” said John Carroll, Director of Basketball at Masters Academy International. “He brings a wealth of experience in the prep, college ranks in addition to his well-traveled pro career. He has already demonstrated a passion and dedication to on the court skill development that has helped players at all levels from middle school to the NBA. We are lucky to have Calvin on board at MAI.”

Whipple reunites with Carroll and will join the MAI staff led by Head Coach Jason Smith, one of the nation’s most respected high school basketball coaches.

“After playing for John Carroll and competing against Jason Smith, I’m honored to now work alongside them and the rest of the coaching staff to help student-athletes pursue greatness,” said Whipple. “MAI has created an environment where student-athletes have every resource they need to reach their dreams, and I’m thrilled to be part of helping them do that.”

Whipple enters coaching after eight years competing at the Division I and professional levels. In addition to his playing career, he has worked with prep school, collegiate, professional and NBA athletes on individual skill development, bringing a modern player-development approach to MAI.

To learn more about the basketball program at Masters Academy International, please visit www.mastersacademyinternational.com/sports/basketball.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International (MAI) is an elite boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts, designed to redefine the student-athlete experience. MAI prepares students to think, train, and perform at professional standards by integrating pro-level coaching, top-tier academics, and comprehensive student development into one aligned model — ensuring students never have to compromise one for the other. The school is operated in partnership with Cognita, a global education leader with more than 100 premium private schools worldwide. MAI provides a structured pathway for students aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels while excelling in the classroom and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Joe Zarbano, Regan Communications on behalf of Masters Academy International, jzarbano@regancomm.com.