We are beaming with Pirate pride as we celebrate the incredible career and recent Hall of Fame nomination of one of our very own, Port Washington High School (PWHS) Girls Basketball Coach Dave Ross.
A 1978 PWHS graduate, Coach Ross’s story is a beautiful testament to the power of resilience and the deep roots of our Port Washington community. From finding his footing on these very same courts as a student-athlete to returning as a mentor, he has shaped generations of Pirates.
We recently sat down with Coach Ross to reflect on his journey, his philosophy on teamwork, and what it means to come home.
Q&A with PWHS Girls Basketball Coach Dave Ross
Q: You started your journey right here as a 1978 Port Washington graduate and eventually returned to lead the Pirates again. Looking back at your younger self starting out on these same courts, what does it mean to you to receive this Hall of Fame honor while coaching at Port Washington?
Coach Ross: I am incredibly honored to be nominated for the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Early in my coaching career at Port Washington, we struggled for three years—winning only seven games and losing 56. I learned quickly that playing the game at this school was very different from coaching it. As a player, my focus was simply on preparing myself to compete and hopefully win. As a coach, I realized there was so much I didn’t know, and at times it was frustrating.
But I kept trying, learning, and growing with every season. Looking back, I never imagined I would be in this position, especially after the start I had. That is what makes this honor so meaningful. To return to Port Washington—the place where my own basketball journey began as a player—and be recognized while coaching here truly brings everything full circle. Being back coaching the Pirates has been an incredible joy and a very special part of my life.
Q: You have mentioned that your early years in coaching were a challenge, including a long conference losing streak that almost made you hang up the whistle. What did those difficult early seasons teach you about resilience, and how do you use that experience to encourage your players today?
Coach Ross: In my early years, we went through a difficult stretch, but it became a great learning experience for me. I reached out to coaches from other programs who were very supportive and willing to share advice that helped me grow as a coach. One of the things I realized was the importance of developing players earlier, so we started an 8th-grade team to help younger players build skills and confidence before reaching high school.
Those experiences taught me resilience and the importance of staying committed to the process. I share that with my players today, reminding them that growth takes time and that success comes from working hard, supporting each other, and continuing to improve.
Q: With hundreds of career wins and multiple state tournament appearances under your belt, your ‘on-paper’ resume is incredible. However, Hall of Fame legacies are often built on things the scoreboard doesn’t show. Beyond the wins, what is the one thing you hope every player takes away from their time in your program?
Coach Ross: I want every player who comes through our program to have the chance to experience the many opportunities that basketball can provide. When people commit to working hard together as a team, they often achieve things that wouldn’t be possible on their own. Those shared efforts and experiences can open doors, build lasting relationships, and teach lessons that go far beyond the game.
Q: You have coached through decades of changes in Wisconsin high school basketball. From the style of play to the way student-athletes engage with the sport, what is the biggest shift you have seen, and how have you managed to keep your coaching philosophy both consistent and adaptable over the years?
Coach Ross: Even though the game and style of play have changed over the years, one thing that has remained the same is my philosophy about the importance of doing the right thing. I have always believed that the people in our program need to understand the value of commitment, respect, and working together. When we truly believe in each other and value the team over the individual, that’s when we succeed. The game may evolve, but those principles continue to guide everything we do.
Q: They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it certainly takes a community to support a Hall of Fame career. As you reflect back on your career, who are the mentors, family members, or fellow coaches you find yourself thinking about most?
Coach Ross: I have been fortunate to coach outstanding players who were committed to working hard, and their dedication made so many of our winning seasons possible. My family has been my greatest support system. My mom, dad, and 11 siblings gave me balance in life and accepted me for who I am. Coaching my daughters, Rachel and Kennedy, through their youth and high school years was truly a dream come true.
And most importantly, my wonderful wife, Lisa, has been my rock, supporting me in everything I love to do and sharing so many memorable games with me at both Cedarburg and Port Washington High Schools. All of these people—players, family, teammates, and coaches—have shaped my life and career. I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have had their support along the way.