What does it take to build a team that wins championships and develops young men of integrity?

In this episode of Communities of Character, we sit down with Coach Scott Ware, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Hoover High School. With three straight 7A State Championships - including a perfect 35-0 season - Coach Ware knows what it takes to win. But his secret isn’t just talent or strategy. It’s character.

Coach Ware shares how he defines success for his athletes, not only by wins and losses, but by how they invest in themselves and their teammates, develop strong habits, embrace a growth mindset, and build relationships rooted in trust. These values, he explains, don’t just create “good kids.” They create teams that WIN. His Hoover squads prove that character and championships are not separate goals, but deeply connected.

Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear powerful stories about:

-Why his father’s example first inspired him to coach.

-How daily practice rituals reinforced teamwork and accountability.

-The moment he trusted his players in a championship game, and how that trust paid off.

-Ways he helped athletes connect lessons of discipline, perseverance, and toughness to their lives beyond basketball.

-How he engaged parents and the wider community to strengthen the culture of his program.

-Why he believes relationships are the foundation of leadership for coaches, teachers, and principals alike.

Want to connect with Coach Ware? You can reach him at jware@hoover.k12.al.us or sware2525@gmail.com

About the Hosts

• Jennifer Hogan is a character and leadership coach and former high school principal who's passionate about building cultures of character and empowering leaders at every level.

• Laura Casey is the Athletic Director for Vestavia Hills City Schools, where she leads with a focus on integrity, teamwork, and student success.

Want to reach out to the hosts? You can reach Jennifer at jhogan.hhs@gmail.com. You can reach Laura at laurascasey@gmail.com.

Follow the podcast on Instagram at @coc.podcast

💡 Past seasons of the podcast have featured conversations with leaders like Scarlett Lewis, Dr. Michele Borba, Dr. Gregory Moore, Liz Huntley, and more. Go back and listen to those episodes to discover why they’re among the most popular with our listeners.