TA News

On Saturday, September 24, Thetford Academy will host a celebration of life for its longtime varsity girls basketball coach, Eric Ward ’76, who passed away in May 2022.

Ward was a beloved member of the TA community, a mentor and leader to his athletes, and a warm and generous friend. As his sister Pam Robinson wrote in his obituary, “He forged lifelong relationships with coaches and referees. Eric’s peers remember him as a great coach and a true ambassador of the sport. He was a motivator and fighter to the end, and one of the brightest and most giving men.”

At TA, Ward took the Panthers to six straight D-III title games between 2014-2020 and brought home the championship title in 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2020. It was his philosophy that basketball was not just about competition, but was something that should be enjoyed. His sister shared that “He would remind the girls that, while many lessons can be learned from both the game and from being part of a team, it is only a small part of life, and that, win or lose, it should always be fun.”

Eric Ward’s celebration of life will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Vaughan Alumni Gymnasium at Thetford Academy. All are welcome and encouraged to come to remember Coach Ward and find comfort and community among those who share in their loss. Contributions to TA in Coach Ward’s memory can be made online and will support the school’s basketball program.