Character Coach – Gary Waters LLC

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Meet Coach

Gary Waters

The Character Coach

Coach Gary Waters is a Professional Motivational Speaker and Leadership Development Consultant in Detroit, renowned for his lifelong commitment to character, leadership, and excellence. As a Hall of Fame coach and accomplished author, Gary has earned recognition for shaping champions both on and off the court. His achievements include induction into the Ferris State, Kent State Varsity “K”, and Detroit High School Halls of Fame, with his 1998 Kent State team also honored for its outstanding performance and leadership.

Throughout his distinguished career, Coach Waters has received national accolades, including the John Lotz “Barnabas” Award from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Master Coach Award from Nations of Coaches, and multiple Coach of the Year honors at Kent State, Rutgers, and Cleveland State. In 2017, he made history by receiving the Presidential Medal from Cleveland State University, becoming the first non-faculty member to earn this prestigious recognition.

Since retiring from collegiate coaching in 2017, Gary Waters has become a National Keynote Speaker and an Inspirational Public Speaker delivering dynamic speeches as a College Motivational Speaker and beyond. He has also served as a commissioner for the NCAA College Basketball Academy, joined the NIT Selection Committee, and developed Character Building Seminars and workshops for law enforcement and corporate leadership programs. 

He is the author of influential works such as Ten Principles of a Character Coach and Coaching Millennials from a Character Perspective, offering self-development books for leaders and leadership and character-building books that inspire personal growth, confidence, and motivation.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Coach Waters earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a second B.S. in Business Education from Ferris State University, followed by an M.A. in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University. Today, he resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Bernadette, and together they are proud parents of two children and grandparents to seven grandchildren. Through his work as a Leadership Motivational Speaker, Professional Leadership Speaker, and founder of the Leadership Development Academy, Gary Waters continues to inspire audiences nationwide, helping individuals and organizations embrace the power of character-driven leadership.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Coach Waters earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a second B.S. in Business Education from Ferris State University, followed by an M.A. in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University. Today, he resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Bernadette, and together they are proud parents of two children and grandparents to seven grandchildren. Through his work as a Leadership Motivational Speaker, Professional Leadership Speaker, and founder of the Leadership Development Academy, Gary Waters continues to inspire audiences nationwide, helping individuals and organizations embrace the power of character-driven leadership.

Meet Coach

Gary Waters

The Character Coach

Coach Gary Waters is a Hall of Fame coach and author recognized for his lifelong commitment to excellence and character. He has been inducted into the Ferris State, Kent State Varsity “K,” and Detroit High School Halls of Fame, and his 1998 Kent State team was honored as well.

Throughout his career, Waters received national recognition, including the John Lotz “Barnabas” Award from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Master Coach Award from Nations of Coaches, and multiple Coach of the Year honors at Kent State, Rutgers, and Cleveland State. In 2017, he received the Presidential Medal from Cleveland State University, the first non-faculty member to be so honored.

Since retiring from collegiate coaching in 2017, Waters has served as a commissioner for the NCAA College Basketball Academy, joined the NIT Selection Committee, and launched character development workshops for the police department. He is also the author of Ten Principles of a Character Coach and Coaching Millennials from a Character Perspective. Gary and his wife, Bernadette, reside in Tampa, Florida, and are blessed with two children and seven grandchildren.

The Power of Character

Character is the driving force behind trust, credibility, and long-term success. As a Character Building Expert in Tampa and Leadership Development Consultant in Detroit, Coach Gary Waters shows how cultivating strong character not only shapes personal growth but also drives organizations and teams to achieve their highest potential.

Leadership with Integrity

True leadership starts with integrity. Guiding others through honesty, respect, and accountability is the hallmark of a Professional Leadership Speaker and Leadership Motivational Speaker. Coach Waters emphasizes that leaders who model ethical behavior inspire confidence, loyalty, and lasting impact in both corporate and educational settings.

Building Winning Teams

Winning teams are grounded in unity, discipline, and a shared commitment to excellence. Through Leadership Development Workshops, Corporate Leadership Retreats, and Educational Institution Workshops, Coach Waters teaches strategies to foster collaboration, motivation, and peak performance among diverse teams.

Overcoming Adversity

Adversity becomes a pathway to opportunity when fueled by resilience, courage, and an unshakable belief in growth. As an Inspirational Public Speaker in Cleveland, Ohio, and College Motivational Speaker in Tampa, Gary Waters helps audiences transform challenges into stepping stones for personal and professional achievement, emphasizing the power of perseverance, mindset, and character-driven leadership.

About Me

Meet Coach Gary Waters

Coach Gary Waters is a Hall of Fame coach and author recognized for his lifelong commitment to excellence and character. He has been inducted into the Ferris State, Kent State Varsity “K,” and Detroit High School Halls of Fame, and his 1998 Kent State team was honored as well.

Throughout his career, Waters received national recognition, including the John Lotz “Barnabas” Award from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Master Coach Award from Nations of Coaches, and multiple Coach of the Year honors at Kent State, Rutgers, and Cleveland State. In 2017, he received the Presidential Medal from Cleveland State University, the first non-faculty member to be so honored.

Since retiring from collegiate coaching in 2017, Waters has served as a commissioner for the NCAA College Basketball Academy, joined the NIT Selection Committee, and launched character development workshops for the police department. He is also the author of Ten Principles of a Character Coach and Coaching Millennials from a Character Perspective. Gary and his wife, Bernadette, reside in Tampa, Florida, and are blessed with two children and seven grandchildren.