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Legendary HS Basketball Coach Leaving For New Program

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 1:09 PM ET

Kevin Boyle, a high school basketball coach who has won eight of the last 12 national championships, will switch schools at the end of the season.

Boyle told ESPN's Jonathan Givony that he's leaving Florida's Montverde Academy to coach Spire Academy in Ohio. The four-time High School Coach of the Year cited NIL as part of his motivation behind the move.

"The entire landscape of high school basketball has changed," Boyle said. "There are new platforms for players to showcase themselves. Interest is growing. Expectations have changed, with players now having professional representation. Top prospects are looking for ways to maximize their development and image."

Boyle said the NIL era "necessitates different strategies" and believes Spire Academy managing partner Jonathan Ehrenfeld "has the vision and commitment to help us forge the path forward."

"I want to thank Montverde for 14 great years and Jon Hopman and David Bernatavitz for all their support," Boyle said.

In 2011, Boyle left New Jersey's St. Patrick High School for Monteverde. He's transformed the Orlando program into a national powerhouse and popular destination for future NBA stars.

Boyle has coached three former No. 1 overall NBA draft picks. Duke freshman Cooper Flagg will likely join Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, and Cade Cunningham on that list when he goes pro.

Flagg called Boyle "the greatest high school coach of all time."

"Playing for Coach Boyle was a huge step in my basketball journey," Flagg told Givony. "His belief and confidence in me pushed me to grow and become the player I am today."

Boyle has also coached Joel Embiid, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Jalen Duran. After going undefeated behind Flagg last season, Monteverde is 19-6 this year.

Boyle's legendary run at Monteverde could end this weekend if the Eagles don't win the 10-team Nike EYBL Scholastic Tournament to earn an automatic spot in next month's High School National Championship tournament.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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