The Winchendon School is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Popp as the Director of Basketball for the 2025-26 academic year. Popp brings an impressive track record of talent development and a wealth of experience in coaching at various collegiate and prep levels. He holds a Master’s degree from Springfield College and a Bachelor’s degree from Assumption University.
Popp most recently served as the Head Coach of the Academic Post-Graduate team at IMG Academy. From 2014 to 2020, Popp was the Head Coach at Vermont Academy, a perennial NEPSAC power, where he developed seven top 100 nationally ranked players, two NBA Draft picks, and one McDonald’s All-American. His tenure also saw the team secure the school’s first-ever New England Prep School Championship in 2016. Popp’s high school players have matriculated at distinguished colleges and universities, including Davidson, Miami, Harvard, Columbia, University of Chicago, Louisville, Bucknell, Syracuse, Texas Tech, Brown, Marquette, Colby, Tufts, Carnegie Mellon, Xavier, and Michigan State, among others.
Popp’s collegiate coaching career includes roles as Director of Basketball Operations at Holy Cross (NCAA Div. I), Associate Head Coach at Middlebury College (NCAA Div. III), and an Assistant Coach at Springfield College. At these institutions, he was mentored by esteemed coaches Milan Brown, Jeff Brown, and Charles Brock, whose collective experience represents over 110 successful seasons. Notably, the Crusaders achieved 20 wins in the 2013-2014 season, a feat not accomplished since the Ralph Willard era. Additionally, Popp played a crucial role in helping Jeff Brown’s Middlebury program reach the Sweet 16 and Elite 8.
With deep ties to the local community as both a student athlete and an accomplished coach, Popp possesses an intricate understanding of the NEPSAC recruiting landscape and an appreciation for the rich tradition of basketball at The Winchendon School. Of Popp, Head of School and Executive Director Sean Duncan remarks, “We’re ecstatic to have Alex join the team and return to his roots here in New England. His impact will be felt not only at our varsity level, but also on JV and developmental teams across our boys’ and girls’ programs.”
“I am thrilled to embark on this journey at Winchendon School,” Popp said. “With the incredible resources and supportive environment here, basketball can continue to cultivate a culture of hard work, leadership, and excellence. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the proud tradition of Winchendon Basketball, I can’t wait to get started.” Alex, his wife Liza Tarr, and their daughter June will join The Winchendon School community this spring.
Go Winchendon!