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.
Character is the driving force that builds trust, shapes culture, and inspires lasting success.
True leadership begins with integrity, guiding others through honesty, respect, and accountability.
Winning teams are built on unity, discipline, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Adversity becomes opportunity when fueled by resilience, courage, and an unshakable belief in growth.
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.
