Leading with Class Dave McWhinnie on Coaching, Culture, and Building Winning Teams

Success in sports is about more than wins and losses. It is about leadership, relationships, and creating an environment where people can grow. In this episode of Taylor Community Connection, Tom Cole sits down with Dave McWhinnie, the new head basketball coach at Perrysburg High School, to discuss coaching philosophy, leadership, and what it takes to build a successful program both on and off the court.

After an extraordinary career at Toledo Christian, where he accumulated more than 200 victories, multiple league championships, and memorable tournament runs, Dave is beginning a new chapter leading the Yellow Jackets. While the uniform may have changed, his commitment to developing student athletes and building strong team cultures remains the same.

Dave shares that his transition to Perrysburg has been met with tremendous support from students, parents, administrators, and the community. He is excited about the talent within the program and the opportunities ahead as he works to continue Perrysburg's tradition of excellence.

The conversation dives into how basketball continues to evolve. Dave explains how spacing, player development, and offensive efficiency have changed the game over the last several years. Today's athletes are more skilled than ever, and successful coaches must adapt by creating systems that maximize space, decision making, and player strengths. His goal is to build a fast paced style of play that is both exciting for players and enjoyable for fans to watch.

One of the most valuable lessons Dave shares is the importance of mentorship. Early in his coaching career, he sought advice from some of the most respected coaches in the region, studying their programs, asking questions, and learning from their experiences. That willingness to learn became a cornerstone of his own success. Even today, he continues to study great coaches and believes growth comes from constantly learning and adapting.

Beyond basketball, Dave also serves as General Manager of Renewal by Andersen, where many of the same leadership principles apply. Whether coaching athletes or leading a business team, his focus remains on relationships, trust, accountability, and delivering a positive experience. He believes that success starts with genuinely caring about people and taking pride in the work being done.

Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out clearly: class matters. Dave's reputation has been built not only on winning games but on treating people with respect, leading with integrity, and creating environments where others can succeed. Those values continue to shape everything he does, from the basketball court to the workplace.

This episode is a reminder that great leaders never stop learning, great coaches never stop teaching, and lasting success is built through relationships and trust.

👉 Watch now to hear how Dave McWhinnie is building winning teams, developing young leaders, and bringing a culture of excellence to Perrysburg Basketball.