Coach Scott Taylor — Culture & Program Builder
Scott Taylor doesn’t talk about basketball the way most coaches do.
Wins matter. Championships matter. But when he tells his story, those things show up later — almost like footnotes. What comes first are people, relationships, and the journey teams take together.
For Coach Scott Taylor, success didn’t appear overnight. It was built through humility, work ethic, and a deep love for the game.
The Early Years
A 2000 graduate of J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina, Taylor went on to Florida State University, earning a degree in Sports Management in 2004. Growing up in a Highway Patrol family meant moving often, but one thing traveled everywhere with him: basketball.
He describes himself as a “role player” on a strong high school team. Like many young athletes, he dreamed of playing in college and hoped to walk on at Florida State. But reality came fast — he realized he was overmatched and not strong enough.
Most would have walked away.
Scott leaned in.
A true student of the game, he became a student manager during his first semester at FSU. By the second road trip of the season, he was traveling with the team. As a sophomore, he rose to Head Manager, overseeing the student support system while working under Leonard Hamilton and Steve Robinson.
The path changed — the purpose didn’t, but this experience helped pave the foundation for who he is today.
Learning to Build
After college, Taylor returned home as a volunteer assistant at J.H. Rose. His first collegiate coaching job came in 2007 at Carson-Newman University under Dale Clayton. A year later, he joined Wes Long’s staff at Queens University.
Those stops helped shape what would become his signature strength: culture.
“The most enjoyable part of coaching has been the relationships that have lasted long beyond playing for our teams.”
Building a Power at Myers Park
In 2016, Taylor took over as head coach at Myers Park High School in Charlotte. His first season ended 11–14 — but that record would quickly become irrelevant.
From year two forward, Myers Park became a contender.
The peak came in 2022–23, when Myers Park captured the NCHSAA 4A State Championship in dominant fashion. That team featured future college standouts Elijah Strong (Boston College), Sir Mohammed (Notre Dame), Bishop Boswell (Tennessee), and Sadiq White (Syracuse).
But for Taylor, the legacy wasn’t just talent.
“Each team had its own identity and its own story… Our 2023 championship team really grew together and embodied our program’s identity of Familyhood. They competed every day, celebrated each other’s success, and defended with pride.”
That group went 55–7 over two seasons, winning eight trophies, with key contributors like Sam Walters, Jacob Paraison, Adam Barnes, and others forming the foundation.
Choosing the Harder Road
After turning Myers Park into a powerhouse, Taylor faced a rare opportunity — building a program from the ground up at Ambassador Christian.
Leaving wasn’t easy.
“Myers Park is a special community and winning there is second to none. I won’t have any other coaching experience like I did at Myers Park.”
But the challenge drew him.
“It wasn’t an easy decision… but the challenge to build something from scratch doesn’t come often.”
At Ambassador, Taylor saw a blank canvas — the ability to structure development and scheduling, and to integrate speed and strength work into the school day.
“We want to give kids a top-level basketball experience and a true high school experience in the same place.”
Running to the Fire
Ambassador’s first season under Taylor finished 21–6 against one of the toughest schedules in the state. This year’s record sits at 15–12, but context matters — Ambassador has played what MaxPreps rates as the toughest schedule in the state.
Taylor calls it “Running to the Fire.”
“That’s why we are here as coaches and why our players are here… Some of the benefits of the games we play early don’t show up until later — maybe not until next season or even when these guys are college players.”
There’s a bigger picture.
“People forget about trophies, wins, and loss records. They don’t forget memories, experiences, and maximizing their opportunities.”
Not Built Alone
Through every stop, one constant has been assistant coach Nick Jones.
“Our programs wouldn’t be anywhere close to as successful without Nick Jones. He’s detailed, thoughtful, great at development, and an incredible friend. Building a program is special because you get to do it with special people. It doesn’t happen alone.”
The Philosophy That Hasn’t Changed
The game has evolved — NIL, the transfer portal, and recruiting shifts have changed the landscape. Taylor stays grounded in what matters most.
“Coaching is at its core the same. Our job is to cultivate and build a team, help develop kids as people and players, and show them what it is to be part of something bigger than themselves.”
“Topics may have evolved, but our role hasn’t.”
Ask Scott Taylor about championships, and he’ll talk about growth. Ask about records, and he’ll talk about relationships.
Because for him, the scoreboard that matters most isn’t in the gym.
It’s years later, when former players still call.
“That really is a unique part of coaching.”