The Wheeler School is excited to announce the hiring of Tamara Tardy and Mike Tardy as the Girls Basketball Program's head coach and assistant coach, respectively.

The Tardys, who are married, bring a wealth of coaching, playing, and mentoring experience to Wheeler. Originally from the southern California area where they became certified IAABO officials, Mike also competed in the renown Los Angeles Drew League and Tamara played Division 1 Basketball at the University of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, before the couple relocated to Rhode Island almost 10 years ago. 

Since arriving, they’ve established the Athletic Youth Academy in Providence, which focuses on creating “fundamental skills to excel both in the classrooms and sports.” Additionally, the Tardy coaches recently rejuvenated the nearby Moses Brown Girls Basketball Program by capturing the 2024 Rhode Island State Championship and winning 36 consecutive regular season games over the last two seasons.

“In meeting with these two coaches and communicating with multiple constituents in the Wheeler community and the Rhode Island basketball community, it was clear that Mike and Tamara share the values, passion, and vision that define our community and its Athletics Program,” said Director of Athletics Sean Kelly ’02, P’35, P’37. “It was also clear that they see the strengths and opportunities presented by our membership in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).”

In accepting the position, Mike Tardy said, “I am thrilled to join a community that deeply values integrity, respect, and a commitment to academic and athletic growth. Together, we will embody these principles and strive for a relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do both on and off the court. Our goal is to build not only champions in competition but also champions in character." 

Head Coach Tamara Tardy said that she was also thrilled to be a Warrior and lead the Girls Basketball Program at Wheeler. “My experience as a collegiate player for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo taught me the value of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a mantra I live by every day,” she added. “My goal is to elevate the expectations for women’s basketball and to cultivate world-class leaders with a vision and work ethic that is unmatched. Let’s Go Warriors!”

The Tardys replace Coach Stephanie Coro, who spent four years at the helm and was an integral part of the program’s ascension into a top four team in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League in 2021. Coro mentored and coached a pair of All-State selections, Kate Keenan ’21 (Williams College) and Mia Mancini ’22 (Bryant University), as well as future Bard College standout, Lexi Miller ’23. She also oversaw the team’s seamless transition into the NEPSAC and its inaugural season in the NEPSAC’s Eastern Independent League.